The impact of climate and wealth on energy consumption in small tropical islands

TL;DR

This study investigates how climate variations and wealth influence energy consumption on small tropical islands, highlighting air conditioning use during hot periods and the effects of demographic factors, with implications for sustainable energy policies.

Contribution

It demonstrates the quantifiable impact of climate change and socioeconomic factors on energy consumption in small tropical islands, providing insights for sustainable energy management.

Findings

Air conditioning significantly increases energy use during hot months.

Temperatures above 26°C correlate with higher electricity consumption.

Energy use is affected by seasonal climate fluctuations, cyclonic activity, and warming trends.

Abstract

Anthropic activities have a significant causal effect on climatic change but climate has also major impact on human societies. Population vulnerability to natural hazards and limited natural resources are deemed problematic, particularly on small tropical islands. Lifestyles and activities are heavily reliant on energy consumption. The relationship between climatic variations and energy consumption must be clearly understood. We demonstrate that it is possible to determine the impact of climate change on energy consumption. In small tropical islands, the relationship between climate and energy consumption is primarily driven by air conditioner electricity consumption during hotter months. Temperatures above 26{\deg}C correlate with increased electricity consumption. Energy consumption is sensitive to: (1) climatic seasonal fluctuations, (2) cyclonic activity, (3) temperature warming over the last 20 years. On small tropical islands, demographic and wealth variations also have a significant impact on energy consumption. The relationship between climate and energy consumption suggests reconsidering the production and consumption of carbon-based energy.