It can be revealed that the ten most vulnerable counties in the US most at risk of a climate disaster are in the South, with some even admitting they “aren’t prepared at all” for what’s to come. We reveal the states most at risk of climate change. Is yours on the list?
Unveiling Vulnerable Areas to Climate Change
A highly detailed map revealing the US neighborhoods most vulnerable to climate-related risks like fire, floods, and pollution was launched by the Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University.
Neighborhoods Under the Microscope
Spanning over 70,000 counties that contain roughly 4,000 people, this map looks at the environmental risks in the area along with its capacity to prevent the hazard.
Uncovering Environmental Hazards
When clicked on via the interactive map, each county unveiled critical information about heat, wildfire smoke, and drought in the area.
What Factors Contribute to Vulnerability?
Once you click on an area, you’ll also see the specific details that could contribute to extreme weather conditions in the county, such as income levels, healthcare accessibility, and transportation.
Biden’s Commitment to Climate Justice
President Joe Biden pledged that at least 40% of federal investments in climate and clean energy programs would benefit “disadvantaged communities.” The infrastructure law has already allocated substantial funds for critical upgrades and replacements in some areas.
Environmental Defense Reinforcements Are Needed Now
Grace Tee Lewis, a health scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund, stressed the need for strategic investments, “The Biden Administration has made a historic level of funding available to build toward climate justice and equity, but the right investments need to flow to the right places for the biggest impact,” so where are the areas most in need?
Hotspots in the South
The data revealed that the ten most vulnerable US counties are situated in the South, especially along the Gulf Coast, where poverty rates and health issues are notably high.
This State Is Bearing the Brunt
Half of these counties are in Louisiana, making the state by far the most vulnerable to human-induced climate disasters.
Louisiana’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
St. John the Baptist Parish in Louisiana emerged as the most vulnerable county due to a range of challenges, including floods, child and maternal health issues, toxic air pollutants, and high disaster-related mortality rates.
Is the Community Ready for a Shock?
Jo Banner, a community activist in St. John the Baptist, expressed concerns about the lack of preparedness at the community and federal levels, “We know that our community is not prepared at all for emergencies, the federal government is not prepared, the local parish is not prepared.”
Climate Risk Divide in Cities
Even in cities with relatively low climate risk, such as Seattle, the data exposed a huge difference in vulnerability between census tracts.
South Seattle Shows a Stark Contrast
When compared to North Seattle, South Seattle is in danger of climate-related disasters due to air pollution, flood risk, and inadequate infrastructure.
States Most at Risk Revealed
The states most at risk of climate disasters, including economic ones, are Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi, New Jersey and New Mexico.
Time to Gear Up
It’s up to these states to use Biden’s funding to spread awareness and protect themselves from any future disaster.
Was Your State on the List?
Is your state on the list of most vulnerable to climate change?
Maybe you’re worried about your county?
Let us know in the comments.
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The post “Aren’t Prepared” Is Your State on the Brink of a Climate Catastrophe? Shocking List Revealed first appeared on Career Step Up
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