Extreme Heat Costs California $7.7 Billion and Hundreds of Lives Over a Decade

A state report reveals the severe economic and human toll of rising temperatures, urging targeted interventions and resilience investments.

Extreme heat events in California from 2013 to 2022 caused an estimated 460 deaths and $7.7 billion in economic losses.
The report highlights disproportionate impacts on marginalized and low-income communities, with higher mortality rates among Black, Native American, and low-income white populations.
Economic losses stem from healthcare costs, lost productivity, agricultural disruptions, and infrastructure damage.
Key recommendations include investing in adaptive infrastructure, comprehensive heat action plans, and innovative insurance solutions.
Recent budget cuts have affected programs aimed at combating extreme heat, though new legislative measures and a proposed climate bond seek to address funding gaps.