Hidden Costs of Climate Change Fueling Affordability Crisis in California — Ne - CleanTechnica

A recent report from the Center for Law, Energy & Environment at UC Berkeley highlights the extensive and often hidden financial burdens that climate change imposes on California households, businesses, and public sectors. Beyond the immediate disaster-related expenses from wildfires and floods, Californians are facing rising costs in insurance premiums, healthcare, and lost wages, all contributing to an escalating affordability crisis. The report estimates that the average American born in 2024 will incur $500,000 in additional lifetime costs due to climate change, with those in severely impacted areas potentially facing up to $1 million. Key contributors to these costs include increased healthcare expenses from wildfire smoke and heat-related illnesses, job losses among outdoor workers, and rising utility bills driven partly by wildfire-related expenses. California’s vulnerability stems from its extensive coastline, frequent droughts, extreme heat, and wildfire risks. For example, the 2022 drought resulted in a $1.7 billion revenue loss for farmers and nearly 5,000 lost jobs in the