Walton Family Foundation Environment and Climate Research

Nearly four in 10 Americans say extreme weather damaged their community in the past year, and those residents are less likely to feel they can shape their own future. This report examines how extreme weather strains the conditions opportunity depends on: stable jobs, affordable housing, trusting relationships and healthy natural spaces.

The effects are uneven. Damage is concentrated in the South, while worry about a repeat event runs highest in the drought-stricken Mountain Census division. Additionally, residents in affected communities report a weaker sense of agency — a strong predictor of whether people are thriving.

Explore the full report to learn how extreme weather affects Americans’ sense of control over their futures and what communities can do to build resilience.