Kentucky

Kentucky is Vulnerable to Climate Change:

  • The National Climate Assessment found that extreme heat in the Southeast region due to the changing climate will add severe stress to water availability while storms will become more intense and more frequent.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared major disasters, including flooding, hurricanes, severe storms and record snow, 29 times in Kentucky since the year 2000.
  • During the past thirty years, Kentuckians experienced just four days of extreme heat temperatures above 95°F. By mid-century, this number will reach up to 44 days per year, according to a Risky Business report. The same report found that higher electricity use, especially due to air conditioning, will significantly drive up energy prices and will cost the state exchequer $454 million each year by mid-century.
  • Kentucky ranks first in toxic air pollution from power plants. That’s one reason the state’s asthma rates are higher than the national average for nearly all age groups.
  • Kentucky does not have any statewide plans to adapt to climate change.

Kentucky Energy Opinions and Efforts: