How Individuals Can Help
Cities throughout our country are on the front lines of increasingly extreme weather, from more intense heat waves and wildfires to droughts, rainstorms, and floods. As climate change worsens, dangerous weather events are getting more frequent or severe — or both.
See how your city is at risk from extreme weather, and then tell your mayor to prepare! Use the map below to explore the impacts of climate change on your state.
Tell Your City to Prepare
Send a letter to your mayor today to prepare for increasingly frequent and severe weather affecting your city by joining the Earth Hour City Challenge.
Spread the Word
In Your Community
Connect with local residents and community groups to explore how you can work together to rally fellow citizens to contact their city leaders either directly or through the Earth Hour City Challenge website.
Consider a wide-range of organizations and community groups that may support preparing their community for increasingly extreme weather, such as:
- neighborhood groups
- churches
- schools
- health groups
- emergency response groups
- environmental groups
Through Social Media
Tell your network of friends, colleagues and organizations about the Earth Hour City Challenge and how they can use the initiative to urge their mayor to prepare for climate change.
Washington
Three of the state's top-10 warmest summers on record have occurred since 2000. During that time, Washington has experienced a series of costly wildfire seasons, with over 410,060 acres burned in 2007 alone.
Oregon
Four of the state's top-10 warmest summers were in the last decade; these periods of extreme heat can damage crops and pose a risk to human health from increased air pollution and heat-related illnesses. Additionally, over the last decade Oregon has experienced a series of large and costly wildfires, including 648,046 acres burned in 2007.
California
In California, sea level rise is leading to coastal erosion and threatening the state's hundreds of miles of coastland. Climate change is causing higher temperatures and altering precipitation patterns, increasing the severity of wildfires and threatening the state's freshwater supplies.
Nevada
One of the biggest wildfires in state history hit Reno in November 2011, resulting in more than $16 million in insurance claims. By February 2012, water levels at Lake Mead (which provides most of the water for Las Vegas) were 32 percent below the annual average for that date.
Idaho
Three of Idaho's hottest five summers on record have been in the last decade. These periods of extreme heat can damage crops and pose a risk to human health from increased air pollution and heat-related illnesses. Over the last decade, Idaho has also experienced some of the largest and most costly wildfires in the United States.
Montana
The state's $2.4 billion annual agricultural sector uses more than 95 percent of Montana's water supply, which is coming under threat. Projections indicate that by 2050, water shortages are expected to cause annual crop losses of up to $79 million per year. In addition, rising temperatures are already affecting Montana's historic Glacier National Park; while 150 glaciers were present when the park was founded, only 27 remain today. By 2020, there may be none left.
Wyoming
Wyoming is facing rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns that are contributing to more intense drought and wildfires and threatening the state's fresh water supplies. Higher temperatures may increase the demand on the state's limited water resources for communities and agriculture.
Utah
In Utah, extreme weather-from prolonged drought to severe flooding-is on the rise. While the state has faced prolonged drought conditions in recent years, in 2011 Utah was hit with a massive flood that inundated thousands of acres of farmland and cost farmers tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Arizona
Wildfires and water scarcity are projected to worsen as Arizona continues to become hotter and drought becomes more severe. In 2011, Arizona suffered its worst wildfire in recorded history, when the Wallow Fire consumed more than 500,000 acres.
New Mexico
The summer of 2011 was the hottest on record for the state and the first half of the year was the driest on record. The conditions set the stage for the largest wildfire in New Mexico history, the Las Conchas Fire (150,000 acres). In addition to threatening water supplies for drinking water, agriculture and cattle, warmer temperatures will lead to poorer air quality and more frequent instances of heat-related illness for New Mexico residents.
Colorado
In addition to threatening water supplies for drinking water, agriculture and cattle, projected changes in climate will lead to poorer air quality and more frequent instances of heat-related illness for Colorado residents. The state's ski industry also will be negatively affected as warmer temperatures shorten the ski season.
North Dakota
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in North Dakota. In 2011 alone, 4,000 homes were flooded and an estimated 11,000 people were forced to evacuate Minot due to a record high-water level in the Souris River. Cities along the Red River are facing major flooding as well, with five of the river's 10 highest crests happening since 2000.
South Dakota
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in South Dakota, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and disrupting roadways. In May 2011, the governor requested federal aid to assist with flooding in at least 38 counties, while that year's winter season ranked among the state's 10 wettest on record.
Nebraska
In the Missouri River Basin, a very wet spring and early summer, combined with extreme precipitation, caused severe flooding along the Platte and Missouri rivers in 2011. This extreme weather event cost the city of Omaha upwards of $10 million. The Nebraska Farm Bureau estimated costs of $189 million in lost agricultural crop sales and related economic activity.
Kansas
In Kansas, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation are increasing the risk of intense drought, a trend that is projected to continue. In addition to threatening water supplies for drinking water, crops and cattle, changes in climate will lead to greater risk to human health from poorer air quality and heat-related illnesses.
Oklahoma
In 2011, Oklahoma's summer was the warmest of any state on record, and by early October 70 percent of the state was in "exceptional drought," the most extreme category of drought. The economic cost of agricultural damage from the drought and severe heat was estimated to be up to $2 billion by late 2011.
Texas
In Texas, temperatures are already rising and are projected to become even higher in the future, leading to frequent and severe heat waves and droughts with devastating consequences for the state. In 2011, Texas experienced its driest year on record and its hottest summer on record. These conditions led to the state's worst wildfire season on record, which destroyed 1,500 homes.
Minnesota
Minnesota is experiencing heavier precipitation events, leading to significant flooding. Every year since 2006, the president has had to make a major disaster declaration for Minnesota due to heavy rainfall or severe flooding. In September 2010, the state experienced its wettest month on record, as 10.68 inches of rain fell in a 48-hour period. There were three major disaster declarations due to flooding in 2011 alone.
Iowa
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in Iowa, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and disrupting roadways. Heavy rains also contribute to accelerated topsoil erosion, which can hinder agricultural yields. Furthermore, more frequent severe precipitation and greater transpiration from crops have created favorable conditions for the survival and spread of many unwanted pests and pathogens.
Missouri
Heavy rainfall and dangerous floods have increased in Missouri and are projected to become more severe. Record rainfalls in spring 2011 led to the second-highest-ever crest on the Missouri River near St. Joseph, and flooding in Jefferson City. In May 2011, extensive flooding in southeast Missouri forced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to breach the Birds Point-New Madrid Levee to reduce the risk to downstream cities.
Arkansas
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in Arkansas, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and disrupting roadways. More frequent and intense rainfalls also threaten the state's agricultural industry. In 2009 alone, state crop losses due to the heavy rain rose to $80 million in lost wages in agriculture-related jobs.
Louisiana
Louisiana is becoming more at risk from the combined threat of intensifying hurricanes, changing precipitation patterns, and warmer temperatures. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was the most costly weather-related disaster in U.S. history. At the same time, some states north of Louisiana are facing heavier rainfall events, leading to flooding along the Mississippi River that carries into the Pelican State.
Wisconsin
Heavy rainfall and dangerous floods have increased in Wisconsin and are projected to become more severe. Major floods prompted disaster declarations from the president in 2007 (with the third-wettest winter on record), 2008, and 2010 (with the wettest summer on record). In 2008, massive flooding hit 31 counties in southern Wisconsin, and more than 40,000 homes and 5,000 businesses were damaged. Estimated damage totaled more than $1.2 billion.
Illinois
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in Illinois, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and disrupting roadways. In addition, periods of extreme heat are projected to become more common, leading to greater risk to human health from poorer air quality and heat-related illnesses.
Mississippi
Mississippi is becoming more at risk from the combined threat of intensifying hurricanes, shifting precipitation patterns, rising sea levels and warmer temperatures. At the same time, some states north of Mississippi are facing heavier rainfall events, leading to flooding along the Mississippi River that carries into the Magnolia State. The state's hottest summer ever came in 2010 (2011 was the third hottest), and these warming trends are projected to continue.
Michigan
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, from 1991 to 2003 Michigan incurred an average of over $10 million in annual flood damages. Michigan's climate is predicted to become warmer and more drought-prone in the future, resulting in lower water levels along the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence shipping route and adversely impacting the 76 million tons of domestic and foreign cargo shipped through Michigan's waterway routes.
Indiana
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in Indiana, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and disrupting roadways. Heavy rains also contribute to accelerated topsoil erosion, which can hinder agricultural yields. Furthermore, more frequent severe precipitation and greater transpiration from crops have created favorable conditions for the survival and spread of many unwanted pests and pathogens.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, heavy rainfall and dangerous floods have increased and are projected to become more severe. The wettest year on record for the state was 2011. Heavy rainfall in April (11.7 inches of rain compared to the long-term average of 4.0 inches) along with other storm impacts resulted in an estimated $34 million in damages.
Tennessee
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding have become more frequent and severe in Tennessee, and this trend is projected to continue. Torrential rains in May 2010 tore through the state, bringing record high crests on some rivers and flooding many communities. The Nashville region alone faced nearly $2 billion in damaged infrastructure, bridges and roadways.
Alabama
Alabama is at risk from more intense and destructive hurricanes, and projected sea level rise is further amplifying this threat. The state is also seeing a rise in torrential downpours, a trend expected to continue, increasing the risk of flooding. In addition, temperatures are rising in Alabama, especially during summers. Summer 2010 was the warmest on record and 2007 and 2011 were among the top-10 warmest.
Ohio
In 2011, Ohio experienced its wettest year on record and some of the worst flooding in history. The cost of extensive repairs to roads and bridges was estimated at almost $40 million. In requesting assistance for disastrous flooding that occurred in April and May, Ohio's Governor John Kasich said in a letter to President Obama that the impacts in Ohio were "of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local government."
Maine
In 2011, 2009 and 2007, record or near-record torrential rains fed by coastal storms caused major floods, which damaged the state's homes, businesses and utilities and disrupted roadways. Heat waves are projected to become more common in Southeast Maine, where almost 40 percent of the state's population lives, likely resulting in more illness and death from heart and lung disease. In addition, rising sea levels bring with them the risk of salinization of the groundwater-on which half of Maine's population depends for drinking water.
New Hampshire
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in New Hampshire, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and disrupting roadways. At least three of the wettest years in the state's history have occurred since 2005. Additionally, New Hampshire's lucrative coastal tourism industry, which generates around $484 million dollars a year, is under threat as sea levels rise.
Vermont
In 2011, flooding from Hurricane Irene was the worst in the state’s history. About a foot of rain fell across the state, destroying up to a half dozen iconic covered bridges and washing out or damaging over 260 roads. Vermont is also experiencing warmer winters and shorter springs, a trend that is projected to continue. These changes have already shortened the length of the maple syrup season by 10 percent, posing a significant threat to the state’s $200 million industry.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is at risk from the combined threat of shifting precipitation patterns, rising sea levels and warmer temperatures. More extreme weather-such as increased heavy downpours, heat waves and summertime droughts-are anticipated as the climate changes, increasing the danger from flooding and heat-related illnesses. The first- and second-wettest years in Massachusetts history were 2007 and 2011, causing millions of dollars of damage.
Rhode Island
Half of the top-10 wettest years on record for the state have occurred since 2005, while extreme one-day precipitation events are becoming more frequent and severe. Flooding in March 2010 was the worst on record for the state. Rhode Island state officials estimated that total damage was "well in excess of $200 million, affecting infrastructure, homes and businesses."
Connecticut
Heavy rainfall, dangerous flooding and coastal storms are projected to increase in Connecticut, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and disrupting roadways. In 2011, the state faced its heaviest precipitation on record.
New York
The combination of rising sea levels and more severe coastal storms poses a serious threat to New York City, Long Island and other low-lying coastal areas. These threats were vividly illustrated in August 2011 when the state experienced its wettest month on record and Hurricane Irene swept through Long Island communities.
Pennsylvania
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is increasing in Pennsylvania and is projected to continue. In 2011, more than 100,000 people were evacuated from their homes as Tropical Storm Lee hit the Northeast. The storm caused the worst flooding that Pennsylvania had experienced in almost 40 years.
New Jersey
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flooding is projected to increase in New Jersey. In 2011, the state was devastated by extreme weather events such as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, making it New Jersey's wettest year on record. In the span of one month that summer, over 100 towns in New Jersey reported more than 20 inches of rain. Coastal storms combined with rising sea levels are also posing serious threats to coastal infrastructure and development.
Delaware
Sea level rise in Delaware is posing risks to the state's rich coastal environment by increasing susceptibility to coastal flooding, shoreline erosion, and wetlands inundation. Delaware also has been experiencing more record-breaking high temperatures in recent years. For instance, in 2011 Delaware was an average of 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal, setting a new record for the state.
Maryland
More extreme weather-such as increased heavy downpours, heat waves and summertime droughts-are anticipated as the climate changes, increasing the danger from flooding and heat-related illnesses. The Chesapeake Bay region is ranked the third most vulnerable area in the United States to sea level rise, which poses a substantial risk to shoreline properties and coastal tourism, as well as the state's precious marshlands.
District of Columbia
Studies indicate that if sea levels were to rise by just 4 inches by 2043, nearly 63,000 people would be directly impacted, while property damage would exceed $2 billion-and that doesn't include damage to military bases and government property. Already the city is feeling the consequences of more extreme weather events and heavy precipitation; in 2006, flooding from heavy downpours forced the IRS, Commerce Department and Justice Department to shut down.
Virginia
More extreme weather such as heavy downpours increases the danger from flooding, while drier and hotter conditions damage crops and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. Virginia also has the highest rate of sea level rise on the East Coast. Hampton Roads is ranked 10th in the world for assets at risk from sea level rise, including residential properties and shoreline military bases.
West Virginia
West Virginia is at risk from the combined threat of heavier precipitation, dangerous flooding and warmer temperatures. In March 2010, heavy rainfall and flash floods swept through parts of West Virginia, causing road and bridge damage from flooding along the East River. The state will also experience an increased frequency of dangerous heat waves that could increase the number of heat-related deaths and illnesses.
North Carolina
With over 2,300 square miles of coastal land vulnerable to a 3 foot rise in sea levels, North Carolina is one of the states most at risk to sea level rise. The rise will cause more flooding, more loss of land, and more saltwater infiltrating the state's freshwater rivers and marshes. Warmer temperatures and more frequent droughts are also anticipated as the climate changes. During the summer of 2011, 25 percent of the state experienced severe drought conditions.
South Carolina
Flooding and coastal storms like Hurricane Irene damage homes, businesses and utilities and disrupt roadways. In addition, warmer weather negatively affects the state's agriculture, hindering crop yields and requiring more water for irrigation. Some projections indicate that corn may cease to be profitable to grow in the Southeast. Furthermore, sea level rise along South Carolina's coast will lead to saltwater infiltrating freshwater streams and aquifers and more frequent and severe inundation of the state's wetlands and marshes.
Georgia
In 2007, the state experienced its most extreme drought in its history, costing Georgia $1.3 billion in economic damage, including crop losses of $160.1 million in cotton and $92.5 million in peanuts. Georgia is also vulnerable to sea level rise which can lead to flooding, loss of coastal wetlands, beach erosion, and saltwater contamination of drinking water.
Florida
Rising sea levels along Florida's coast is accelerating shoreline erosion and saltwater contamination of aquifers used for drinking water. Meanwhile, stronger hurricanes are taking a mounting toll, with 7 of Florida's ten most costly hurricanes during the last decade. In 2011 homeowner insurance premiums jumped 6.2 percent statewide. Insurance executives from major national insurance firms say rates could climb by up to 10 percent by the end of 2012 in response to the increased risks from extreme weather.
Hawaii
Hawaii faces an increased risk of weather extremes, including both more severe droughts as well as heavy downpours. In January 2012, federal authorities issued a major disaster declaration for Hawai'i County, as extreme drought conditions extended into South Kohala and portions of the Hamakua District. Yet just over 6 weeks later, record rains hit some of the islands, prompting the governor to activate the National Guard and issue disaster declarations for Oahu and Kauai.
Alaska
Since the mid-1970s, Alaska has warmed at three times the rate of the Lower 48 states. These conditions have led to increases in wildfire frequency, severity, and duration in recent years. Two of the three most extensive wildfire seasons in the state's record occurred in 2004 and 2005. Along the coasts, Alaskan communities are facing more frequent and destructive coastal storms, the impacts of which are growing as sea level rises.
