Infrastructure damage, higher grocery prices tied to climate change

Erica Van Buren
Augusta Chronicle
Rising global temperatures, made worse by burning fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas, are one of many impacts of global climate change, according to experts.
Fossil fuels, coal, oil, and gas account for around 68% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions, according to United Nations Climate Action.
Here are some ways climate change impacts daily life from various sources, including the Environmental Defense Fund.
Higher grocery prices due to crop failures.
Increased energy bills from heatwaves.
Infrastructure damage from floods.
Health risks include heat stress and respiratory issues.
Additional impacts that affect day-to-day life include:
Precipitation shifts plus warmer seasons mean higher pollen concentrations and longer allergy seasons.
Rising temperatures, prolonged drought, and extreme flooding are driving up household costs and leaving people vulnerable.
Outdoor jobs are made more difficult and can be halted during extreme heat or storms, increasing project times and costs.
Extreme weather-related events like storms, floods, and sea-level rise can damage roads, power plants, and sewage systems, disrupting daily life.
In the most severe cases, flooding and sea-level rise can force communities to relocate.
Beaches may be lost to sea-level rise, and natural areas may be degraded by wildfires or other impacts.
Crop yields for rice, wheat, corn, coffee, cocoa, and hops are impacted by extreme weather, which can drive up prices while reducing quality.
Insurance companies are pulling back and or out of some markets, leaving homeowners with either extremely expensive policies or none at all.
Car insurance is also getting more expensive due to increased flooding and hail.
Utilities are also facing greater damage from weather-related hazards, including wildfires and extreme storms.
These climate costs ultimately come back to consumers, who must pay more for their electricity.
Hot ocean temperatures are causing coral reefs to bleach and die.
Ecosystems are experiencing habitat loss that may be irreplaceable, harming communities that depend on the reefs for their livelihoods.
Climate change affects the environment in many different ways, including rising temperatures, sea level rise, drought, flooding, and more, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These events affect things that we depend upon and value, like water, energy, transportation, wildlife, agriculture, ecosystems, and human health.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.