A global degree days database for energy-related applications

This paper addresses these issues by presenting a new database of population-weighted degree days for 147 countries for 1948-2013 at various reference temperatures based on multiple thermal comfort indices. The database was mainly developed to compare the influence of weather on energy use across countries. This is important for policy because it defines the playing field for potential intervention to improve energy efficiency and productivity. It also puts countries on equal footing when it comes to participating in international energy and environmental negotiations.