Southeast [US Climate Reslience Toolkit]

The Southeast’s population faces increasing threats from rising sea levels and increased frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves, which prompt greater risks of wildfires. These extreme weather events impact human health, ecosystems, economies, infrastructure, and food systems, particularly in urban areas of the region. Climate stressors such as drought and increases in heat extremes are expected to disproportionately affect communities of color and other energy-burdened groups. The Southeast is projected to have the highest number of premature deaths due to climate-induced increases in air pollution. Compared with other regions, the Southeast faces the largest economic risks from climate change impacts. Rural and place-based economies that rely on the region’s ecosystems are particularly at risk from current and future climate changes, including fishing, agricultural, and tourism-based economies. Coordinated climate strategies could improve equity, well-being, and economic vitality. While there have been notable advancements in adaptation throughout the region, these efforts tend to be concentrated in wealthier coastal and metropolitan areas, leaving rural and other under-resourced communities at risk.