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9/29/2023

U.S. Department of the Treasury Releases Report on Climate Change and Household Finances | U.S. Department of t…

U.S. Department of the Treasury Releases Report on Climate
Change and Household Finances
September 29, 2023

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S Department of the Treasury released a report prepared in
consultation with members of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, entitled The

Impact of Climate Change on American Household Finances. The analysis in the report finds
that more than half of U.S. counties – populated by millions of Americans – face heightened
future exposure to at least one of the three climate hazards described in the report: flooding,
wildfire, or extreme heat. Further, approximately one-fi h of all U.S. counties face both
elevated vulnerability and elevated future exposure to these climate hazards.
“Severe flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat are imposing significant financial burdens on
households across the country. This has been highlighted by recent events such as this
summer's wildfires that blanketed numerous U.S. cities with poor air quality. Underserved
communities are particularly hard-hit by such events," said Assistant Secretary for Financial
Institutions Graham Steele. “This report o ers both consumers and policymakers strategies
to mitigate challenges faced by communities.”
This report is a unique resource for policymakers and consumers that provides a framework
for evaluating the impacts of climate change on household finances and recommends steps
to build capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related shocks and
stresses. The report also includes a catalog of specific consumer resources, including
educational resources to promote awareness about the steps households can take to prepare
for and adapt to climate hazards.
The report identifies certain populations and places that face exacerbated financial harm due
to their vulnerability and exposure to extreme weather events and conditions. Though many
households are impacted by climate hazards, certain households are particularly susceptible
to experiencing financial strain. For example, outdoor workers face income loss due to
adverse climate conditions, single-parent households led by women face reduced child care
availability, and lower-income households face reduced access to credit. This report, released
within the broader context of the Biden-Harris Administrationʼs government-wide agenda to
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1776

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9/29/2023

U.S. Department of the Treasury Releases Report on Climate Change and Household Finances | U.S. Department of t…

address the challenges presented by climate change to household finances, o ers both
consumers and policymakers strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate hazards
faced by communities.
A fact sheet on the report is available here.
The full report is available here

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https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1776

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