Pennsylvania cities and towns face a hefty price tag to mitigate the impacts of climate change, according to the Center for Climate Integrity. The group estimates that these areas will need to allocate $15 billion by 2040 to adequately address the looming environmental crisis.
One of the report’s alarming findings is that a quarter of Pennsylvania counties must increase their annual budgets by 5% or more to address climate change. The burden on Philadelphia is particularly significant, with the city requiring an estimated $3.3 billion by 2040.
The report proposes several infrastructure upgrades to counteract the effects of climate change. These improvements include installing air conditioning in schools, increasing storm drainage capacity, reinforcing bridges, and implemeting protection against sea level rise and climate disasters.
The prediction is that Pennsylvania will experience more extreme weather events and substantial impacts on infrastructure. These effects will be particularly severe near waterways and in high-poverty areas. The report projects that the state will experience 37 days of extreme heat annually by 2050.
To offset the costs of these necessary investments, the report suggests that Pennsylvania and local governments consider filing lawsuits to recover climate damage costs from major polluters. This follows the example of states like New Jersey and Delaware, which have initiated legal proceedings to secure funds for climate mitigation efforts.
A separate study led by Penn State University and the Environmental Defense Fund supports the call for substantial investment in climate change mitigation. This research reveals that Pennsylvania towns need to spend an additional $1.5 billion to adapt to climate change.
The study analyzed 500 flood control projects across Pennsylvania towns and found that many are severely underfunded. Currently, only 6% of the necessary funds are available to complete these essential projects.
Furthermore, the study highlights the disproportionate effects of this lack of funding on low-income communities. These areas are often the hardest hit by climate change and the least equipped to address its consequences. The researchers urge federal and state governments to increase financial support to these communities, helping to ensure their resilience in the face of a changing climate.
