According data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2011 the United States emitted approximately 5,490 million metric tons of CO2 from the consumption of energy, which was roughly 17% of the total CO2 emitted globally. As a result of statistics such as this, the connection between energy and the environment it is often in reference to CO2 emissions from energy production and its impact on the environment. However, the U.S. Department of Energy recently released a report titled U.S. Energy Sector Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Extreme Weather that transforms the traditional connection between energy and then environment. The report analyzes the impact of increasing temperatures (water and air), decreasing availability of water, more intense storms, and rising sea levels on the ability of the United States to produce and transmit secure and reliable electricity from fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy sources. The report highlights a 10-year history of major climate related disasters that greatly influenced energy generation facilities. In addition, the relationship between anticipated climate change impacts and the related implications on a specific energy sector is delineated. It is increasingly important better understand the social and economic impacts of extreme weather on our energy production and o develop sustainable response strategies for the future. To download the U.S. Energy Sector Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Extreme Weather full report, please click here.