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Interactive Map Reveals U.S. Neighborhoods Most Vulnerable to Climate Change

Summary

Grist's staff writer, Kate Yoder, reports on an interactive map released by the Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University, offering an unprecedented level of detail on the vulnerability of U.S. neighborhoods to climate change impacts. Published on October 2, 2023, the map covers over 70,000 census tracts, providing insights into environmental risks such as fire, flooding, and pollution, coupled with factors affecting communities' ability to cope with hazards. The "Climate Vulnerability Index" aims to assist communities in securing funding from climate-related legislation. The data reveals that all of the country's ten most vulnerable counties are in the South, with half located in Louisiana, emphasizing the link between poverty, health issues, and climate risks. The map serves as a tool for informed decision-making and equitable climate justice initiatives.

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