’We can’t escape’: climate crisis is driving up cost of living in the US west

Photo caption: Pedestrian uses an umbrella to shield themselves from the sun while walking past power lines in California. Photo credit: Frederic J Brown / AFP / Getty Images. Article by Maanvi Singh. The Guardian – July 21, 2023.

Extreme weather, fueled by global heating, is affecting energy, water, insurance premiums and food and housing costs

Minerva Contreras can’t keep up with the bills. Recently, after a series of extreme heatwaves in California forced her family to run the AC, her monthly electricity costs rose to about $500. Her water bill averages around $100, but because the water is contaminated with pesticides from nearby agricultural fields, her family spends an additional […]

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