Power interruptions can be deadly, particularly following climate shocks which tend to occur during the hottest or coldest times of year — leaving residents without air conditioning or heat sources.

In 2021, only seven states weatherized more than 0.1% of their homes – Vermont leading at 0.3%. Home weatherization reduces greenhouse gas emissions as well as household energy expenditures through repairs, insulation, and replacement of mechanical systems.

Once the new price structure is fully implemented, the average cost of flood insurance is projected to be $1,950 in Southern states — 20% higher than outside the South.

Lack of affordable housing in the United States has been exacerbated by severe weather events caused by climate change. From 2018 to 2022, at least 1 in 4 renters in several Southern states (LA, FL, MS, SC, WV, GA, and AL) paid at least half of their total household income toward housing costs.

In the South, 29% of adults who were past-due on rent or mortgage feared that eviction or foreclosure was likely. Among Southern states, fears are highest in MS (52%), LA (50%), and KY (43%).