The World’s Power Grids Are Failing as the Planet Warms

Outages from Albania to Texas show how electricity networks aren’t ready for climate change.

Who Will Pay for Europe's Power Grid Upgrade?: BNEF
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Under the blazing Adriatic sun, life almost stopped in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica earlier this summer. Cars and buses were stuck in gridlock as traffic lights went out, the internet crashed, and security alarms blared in reaction to a sudden loss of power supply.

“After one hour without electricity, we were on the verge of panic because it was getting unbearable,” said Drago Martinovic, a 61-year-old retired police officer. “I’m afraid it could last longer if it happens again.”