As populations surge in the Sunbelt, new research shows communities in the southern U.S. face increasing risks from heat waves, drought and wildfires over the next 50 years.
Wyatt Myskow reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The study identifies counties most exposed to heat, drought and wildfire, particularly from Arizona to Florida.
- By 2070, areas at high wildfire risk will double, while drought and heat stress will intensify in regions with vulnerable populations.
- Population growth in these areas compounds the impact of climate hazards, increasing risks for marginalized communities.
Key quote
“Americans see wildfire as a Western problem, and that’s becoming less true.”
— Morgan Varner, senior scientist and director of research at Tall Timbers
Why this matters:
The combination of climate hazards and rapid population growth threatens communities least equipped to handle extreme events. Preparing for these changes is crucial to protect public health, safety and infrastructure, especially in socially vulnerable areas.
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