The Ten American Cities Most At Risk from Climate Change

Phoenix tops the charts, with average temperatures on the rise and the Colorado River--the city’s main source of power and water--shrinking. Louisville, Kentucky is another hot spot. Among the problems there is a lack of trees in the city center.

Honolulu and San Diego are in trouble for a different reason: they both risk going underwater as ocean levels rise. As a major military port, the forecast for San Diego is particularly troubling. In March, Admiral Samuel Locklear, the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, named climate change as “the biggest long-term security threat in the Pacific region.”

Honolulu shares with New York City and Miami yet another problem, an increase in superstorms. Meanwhile, Barrow, Alaska; South Paris, Maine; and Park City, Utah all risk losing their livelihoods as ice and snow become more scarce.

One non-city made the list: the entire state of Texas. Droughts, hurricanes, and plagues of crickets have become a part of life in the Lone Star State.  “One way or another, you’re getting messed with, big time,” writes Jim Meyer.