Concerns Mount Over Hedgerow Destruction at Blackwood Housing Development

The U.S. is facing a critical housing affordability crisis exacerbated by severe climate-related events. The home price index surged by 46% since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, while climate change is driving an insurance crisis that complicates homeownership. Increasingly severe wildfires and hurricanes have raised costs for homeowners due to expensive retrofits and stricter building codes, as noted by experts from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Recent wildfires have become more frequent, impacting regions across the Southeast, while hurricanes have intensified, causing widespread damage and flooding. Banks are beginning to divest from mortgages in high-risk areas, reflecting a growing awareness of the financial implications of climate change. This situation underscores the urgent need for proactive federal policy responses to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and housing affordability.