“Climate Change Adaptation: How Affordable Housing Initiatives Are Key to Resilience”
In August, Vice President Kamala Harris proposed an expansion of federal housing policy initiatives aimed at increasing the number of housing units on the market and making more units affordable. While this proposal is primarily focused on addressing the housing crisis in the United States, it is also a crucial climate change adaptation policy.
The summer of 2024 was the warmest on record, with record-high global temperatures and an early start to the Atlantic hurricane season. Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events, posing a critical threat to health. As temperatures rise, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many American families to find refuge from climate threats at home due to the rising cost of housing.
According to a report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, half of all households renting their homes spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, which is considered an excessive burden on the family budget. Housing prices have risen by almost 65% over the past decade, making homeownership equally tenuous for many Americans.
The impact of extreme heat is particularly severe for houseless populations, who face intense heat exposures without access to air conditioning or adequate shade. Additionally, individuals who struggle to pay exorbitant utility bills are forced to choose between cooling their homes and meeting basic needs like food and medicine, highlighting the life-threatening consequences of the housing and climate crises.
The intertwining of housing and climate issues deepens longstanding inequities, with marginalized families, low-income populations, and older adults bearing the disproportionate burden. These groups often face housing cost burdens, lack access to air conditioning, and experience high levels of energy poverty, making them more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change.
Affordable housing policies can play a crucial role in enhancing climate resilience and preventing adverse health outcomes associated with extreme weather events. Measures such as eliminating single-family zoning, enforcing efficiency standards for appliances, and reducing parking minimums can reduce carbon footprints, encourage density, and reduce energy consumption.
Federal programs like the Housing Choice Voucher program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are critical tools for climate adaptation and must be expanded to prioritize the most vulnerable groups. State and local initiatives, such as eviction and utility disconnection moratoriums during extreme weather events, tax abatement programs, and indoor residential cooling standards, can also protect those at risk.
It is essential to recognize the interconnected nature of housing and climate challenges and support policies that promote safe, affordable, and health-supporting housing. By investing in climate-resilient housing solutions, we can build a future where all individuals, including the most vulnerable, are better equipped to face the impacts of a changing climate.