Source: Fortune.com
Summary
A new study published in Nature Sustainability found that the city of Santa Cruz, California, may see its median household water bills nearly double to $120 a month by 2050 due to climate change. The study focused on the costs driven by climate change alone, rather than historical trends. The city’s vulnerability to drought and limited water supply make it a hotspot for water stress. The researchers found that 20% of households already pay more for water than they should, and this share could rise to 35% in hot, dry conditions.
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The numbers tell one story. Santa Cruz’s water bills may double by 2050. The city’s infrastructure investments, such as building a desalination plant, will translate into higher bills for customers. The burden will be highest for low-income households. The study’s focus on affordability at the household level highlights the need for policymakers to manage climate-induced inflation. The city’s limited water supply and vulnerability to drought make it a prime example of the growing water crisis facing communities around the world.
The announcement sounds familiar. Climate change is driving up everyday costs, from grocery prices to insurance rates.
Author: Evan Null
