This story is a part of State of Emergency, a Grist series that delves into the impact of climate disasters on voting and politics. It is published with support from the CO2 Foundation.
Brittany Powell made the move from the Bay Area to Vermont in 2016, just as wildfire smoke became a regular occurrence in California. While living in Vermont, she witnessed the devastating effects of climate change-driven wildfires on her friends and family in California. Despite the fear and destruction, she felt fortunate to live in a region that seldom experiences hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, or tornadoes. Vermont, being the most rural state in the U.S., offered ample open space and a sense of safety from the effects of climate change.
However, in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic led many to work remotely, urban dwellers began flocking to rural areas like Vermont, causing a housing crisis. The state saw a significant increase in population, leading to a surge in housing prices and a rise in homelessness. The flooding in Vermont in July of the same year further exacerbated the housing shortage, causing extensive damage to properties and displacing residents.
Climate change has intensified the impact of extreme weather events on housing across the U.S., creating a housing crisis that officials are struggling to address. Vermont, already facing a housing deficit, is now grappling with the consequences of climate change, which have made it increasingly challenging to provide affordable housing for its residents. The state is striving to build new homes to meet the growing demand, but the rising cost of construction and limited availability of land pose significant challenges.
Seth Bongartz, a Democratic member of the Vermont House of Representatives, recognizes the urgency of the housing shortage in the state and has introduced legislation to facilitate new housing developments. The bill aims to enable municipalities to approve denser housing projects in populated areas, balancing the need for housing with environmental preservation. Despite initial pushback, the law was enacted in June, paving the way for more sustainable development.
As Vermont grapples with the aftermath of catastrophic flooding and the ongoing housing crisis, it is clear that climate change is reshaping the landscape of the state and forcing policymakers to confront complex challenges in housing and environmental sustainability.
