Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7291-0036

Date Available

4-26-2024

Year of Publication

2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Agriculture, Food and Environment

Department/School/Program

Agricultural Economics

First Advisor

Yoko Kusunose

Abstract

Recent emphasis on environmental justice has highlighted deficiencies in our energy system that produce disparities in accessibility and affordability for the most vulnerable. Meanwhile, the realities of a gradually warming climate and the onset of a global energy crisis (IEA 2022) have coincidently contributed to spikes in both energy prices and demand. These implications threaten to further exacerbate existing disparities for income-constrained and vulnerable populations, enhancing their risk of falling into prolonged insecurity. To ensure our transition to a just, sustainable future, we must first ensure equitable access to affordable and reliable energy for everyone. Combining household-level panel and state-level weather data, I analyze the impact that seasonal climate variation has on household energy budgets and how said impacts vary relative to householder characteristics. My findings indicate that summer and winter temperature shocks significantly affect energy budgets, with elderly householders appearing to be less responsive to those shocks relative to younger householders.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2024.224

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