No matter where you stand on climate change, you’re probably already paying the price.
Cover homeowner’s costs InsuranceAccording to statistics, since 2021, the country has grown by 27% data Compiled by online insurance marketplace Insurify. In some states, the situation is even worse, such as Louisiana, where premiums are expected to rise 23% this year alone.
Jeremy Porter, head of climate impact at First Street, said: “Insurers are grappling with the fact that we are seeing climate events becoming more frequent and severe, and they are paying out more than they are taking in. ” Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research corporation.
Hardening roads, bridges and other structures to make them more resilient to climate change is a major part of $550 billion in new spending. Bipartisan Infrastructure ActU.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said this could be an important part of future measures.
“We found there was a huge need for this,” he told CNBC in June. “Putting roads on higher ground instead of rebuilding roads that are washed away every year, making sure we seismically retrofit some of our most important bridges, things like that.”
“No matter what side you’re on, no one can argue with resilience because that’s what they do in their personal lives when they have to make a decision about buying a car or buying a house,” said Maria, a global engineering firm at Lehman. GHD’s U.S. Infrastructure Director and the 2023 President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. “If not handled properly, there will be a financial cost to the asset.”
That’s why companies are increasingly focusing on climate risk, resilience and sustainability when deciding where to locate, and why CNBC included them in this year’s most important infrastructure categories. America’s Best States for Business study. Next year methodAmong them, infrastructure is the most heavily weighted category, accounting for 17% of a state’s overall ranking.
We looked at a variety of factors, including state-level data from First Street, showing properties likely to experience significant damage over the next 30 years from flooding, heat, wildfires and high winds.
We also considered the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data Extreme weather in major geographic areas across U.S. states and renewable energy data from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Some states are particularly vulnerable Climate risks, but these ten states are prepared for Mother Nature.
10. Oregon
Christmas Valley Solar Farm, Oregon.
Mary Miller | Underground CG | Universal Image Group | Getty Images
this beaver state He is no stranger to climate issues, including sometimes severe winter storms, wildfires and more. But the country has enough capacity to deal with these problems. Oregon is already a leader in renewable energy, with more than two-thirds of its electricity coming from renewable sources, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Now, with funding from federal infrastructure laws and authorization from state legislatures, Oregon Department of Energy A comprehensive strategy to strengthen its energy system is being developed this year.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 242 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: B+)
Extreme climate index (National average: 32.92%): 16.54%
Properties at risk: 100%
renewable energy: 68%
9. Arizona
On June 5, 2024, an advertising board in Phoenix, Arizona showed that the current temperature was over 100 degrees.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
this grand canyon stateThe intense desert climate also has its own unique harshness 645 people died due to heat Just last year, it happened in Maricopa County, Phoenix’s home state. But at the same time, only about 5% of properties are at risk of flooding, according to the First Street Foundation. Despite the enormous demands created by population growth and economic development, Arizona’s power grid remains one of the most reliable in the nation. However, the state gets a relatively small proportion of its electricity from renewable sources.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 276 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: A+)
Extreme climate index: 14.9%
Properties at risk: 96%
renewable energy: twenty four%
8. Washington
At the Cedar Hill Regional Landfill in King County, a landfill gas extraction system captures methane gas produced by the decomposition of waste and converts it into pipeline-quality biogas at the Bioenergy of Washington (BEW) natural gas power plant to serve King County, Washington, U.S. More than 17,500 homes.
Wolfgang Keller | Light Rocket | Getty Images
this evergreen state Is a leader in renewable energy. Nearly three-quarters of its electricity comes from renewable energy sources, but it doesn’t stop there. according to Washington Department of Commerce, the state’s Clean Energy Fund has allocated about $150 million to develop more renewable energy. it is part of a wider Strategy — mandated by the state Legislature — to eliminate the state’s dependence on fossil fuels by 2050.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 239 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: B+)
Extreme climate index: 16.54%
Properties at risk: 100%
renewable energy: 72%
7. New Mexico
A firefighter puts out a wildfire hotspot Friday, May 13, 2022, in Mora, New Mexico. The Calf Canyon and Hermit Peak fires have been burning in the area. The Hermit Peak Fire started as a prescribed burn.
Matt McClain | The Washington Post | Getty Images
this magic place Still dealing with large-scale impacts Calf Canyon/Hermit Peak WildfireMore than 340,000 acres burned in four months in 2022. Climate Adaptation and Restoration PlanPublished in April, it’s billed as “a blueprint for a more resilient New Mexico.” The plan is designed to bring together state agencies, local governments, tribal communities and the private sector to put resilience front and center. Despite the many inherent challenges, the state has taken strong steps in some areas, including abundant renewable energy and minimal flood risk.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 179 points out of 425 (highest state grade: D+)
Extreme climate index: 14.9%
Properties at risk: 69%
renewable energy: 54%
6.Nebraska
A man walks through a cornfield and opens the gate to an irrigation system that uses water pumped from the North Loop River. Taylor, Nebraska.
Randy Olson | Design Photo Editorial | Universal Image Group | Getty Images
this cornhusker stateThe state’s central location insulates the state from some of the worst impacts of climate change, with only 18% of properties at risk of a major climate disaster within the next 30 years. But that doesn’t mean Nebraska isn’t at risk, especially when it comes to wildfires. “Fires are growing in Nebraska and the fire season is lengthening,” said John Erixson, 2023 State Forester for the Nebraska Forest Service annual report.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 202 out of 425 points (highest state grade: C)
Extreme climate index: 22.12%
Properties at risk: 18%
renewable energy: 33%
5. Colorado
An overall aerial view of the CU Events Center on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder, Colorado on May 11, 2024. The venue features rooftop solar panels that provide 10 to 12 percent of the building’s electricity.
Kirby Lee | Getty Images
this Centennial State We are proud to be a pioneer in sustainable development. Gov. Jared Polis’ administration releases first Greenhouse Gas Pollution Elimination Roadmap In 2021, the goal is to make the state 100% renewable energy by 2040. Dashboard, the state is already halfway toward full government adoption of green energy. While wind, wildfires and heat are serious risks, extreme weather is less common than in other parts of the country.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 247 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: B+)
Extreme climate index: 14.9%
Properties at risk: 67%
renewable energy: 46%
4.California
Wind turbines operate at a wind farm near Palm Springs, California, on March 6, 2024.
Mario Tama | Getty Images
this golden state There have been more than its fair share of natural disasters, including massive wildfires, coastal storms, mudslides, and more. In fact, nearly every one of the state’s more than 11 million properties faces some climate risk, with 95 percent at risk of a major disaster, according to the First Street Foundation. But the state is working to mitigate those risks, especially when it comes to the electric grid. 87% of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources, according to the Department of Energy, which also noted that while California is the second-largest energy consumer after Texas, it ranks fourth in per capita energy consumption. On July 11, when the state was sweltering and power demand hit nearly 44,000 megawatts, California power grid operator says It satisfies the need of “having spare space”.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 245 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: B+)
Extreme climate index: 20.58%
Properties at risk: 96%
renewable energy: 87%
3. South Dakota
Horses graze in a meadow with wind turbines in South Dakota.
Cavan Images | Cavan | Getty Images
this mount rushmore stateIts relatively small population of about 919,000 people helps it insulate against some of the property risks posed by climate change. Only 34% of properties in South Dakota are at risk of significant climate-related damage. But from a sustainability perspective, the state’s real bright spot is renewable energy. About 80% of the state’s energy generally comes from renewable sources, especially wind energy – which generates more electricity than any state except Iowa. According to the Department of Energy. Agricultural waste and other biomass are also abundant sources of energy.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 189 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: C-)
Extreme climate index: 22.12%
Properties at risk: 34%
renewable energy: 77%
2.Idaho
Neil Lincoln, operator of Idaho Power’s Brownlee Dam, took a tour of the inside of the facility.
Robert Gauthier | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images
this gem state is another leader in renewable energy, with a focus on hydropower. Five of the state’s ten largest power plants are hydroelectric, including Idaho Power’s Brownlee Plant —The largest privately owned conventional hydroelectric facility located along the Oregon border. While most properties in Idaho are vulnerable to climate risks, the danger of flooding is relatively small.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 195 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: C)
Extreme climate index: 16.54%
Properties at risk: 90%
renewable energy: 78%
1. Nevada
A Sunrun worker moves solar panels to be installed on the roof of William and Marcia Lee’s home in Las Vegas.
David Becker | The Washington Post | Getty Images
Desert heat a major source of risk Yinzhou, nearly every property in the state was affected. But Nevada is less susceptible to other dangers such as flooding, strong winds and wildfires. Like its neighbors, Nevada is a large user of renewable energy. Here, the preferred renewable energy source is solar power, which has nearly tripled since 2016, according to the Department of Energy. Thanks to abundant sunshine, the state leads the nation in solar potential. Nevada is also a leader in geothermal energy. The Department of Energy says Nevada trails only its much larger neighbor California in geothermal power generation. All this renewable energy powers a reliable grid in America’s most sustainable state.
2024 Infrastructure Score: 236 points (out of 425 points) (Highest state grade: B)
Extreme climate index: 14.9%
Properties at risk: 98%
renewable energy: 74%
