Climate Change is Hurting Georgians

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The economic, health, and lifestyle costs of burning fossil fuels are significant and far-reaching, with implications for all Georgians.

Economic Costs for Georgia Power Customers

Georgia Power’s reliance on coal and natural gas for electricity generation imposes substantial economic burdens on its customers. In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new regulations to control emissions from coal and gas plants. These rules mandate costly upgrades to reduce pollutants, including methane emissions, with expenses likely passed on to consumers. Additionally, as the U.S. and global climate goals aim for a decarbonized electric grid by 2035-2040, continued investments in coal and gas plants risk creating stranded assets. Any new plants built now could become obsolete within two decades, leaving customers to shoulder the financial burden of decommissioning.

Expanding natural gas infrastructure further complicates the economic landscape by tying Georgia to a volatile energy source. Global events, such as the war in Ukraine, have driven up natural gas prices, and Georgia customers are paying these increased costs retroactively. A rider added to monthly utility bills reflects these price spikes, leaving many customers facing additional charges for years to come.

Storm restoration costs also contribute to rising utility bills. A portion of each Georgia Power customer’s monthly payment is allocated to cover damages from extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. For example, Georgia Power estimates that Hurricane Helene cost the company $1.1 billion in transmission and distribution damages. To recoup these costs, the company is seeking to increase customer contributions.

Costs to All Georgians from Climate Change Impacts

The economic impacts of fossil fuel use extend beyond Georgia Power customers, affecting all Georgians. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, which threatens infrastructure and property. Tide gauges along the Southeast coast show sea levels rose by roughly six inches between 1970 and 2020, and projections indicate an increase of 16 to 23 inches by 2050. High-tide flooding events could become five to ten times more frequent, disrupting daily life and economic stability.

Heavy deluges and extreme precipitation events are also increasing. In the Southeast, the heaviest 1% of precipitation events now release 37% more rain than in the mid-20th century. For instance, a “rain bomb” in September 2023 flooded parts of downtown Atlanta, including Clark Atlanta University, submerging vehicles and forcing student relocations.

Agriculture and forestry—key industries in Georgia—are facing mounting challenges. Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $6.46 billion in agricultural and forestry losses across Southeast Georgia. Similarly, a 2023 disaster declaration followed a March freeze that destroyed early-blooming crops, including most of the state’s peach crop. Warmer winters and unexpected freezes are expected to continue driving up food prices. Long-term droughts and warmer conditions will reduce yields and allow pests to invade new areas, further threatening Georgia’s agricultural economy.

Federal tax dollars are increasingly diverted toward disaster relief and infrastructure upgrades to withstand extreme weather. For example, Hurricane Helene alone caused an estimated $225-$250 billion in damages and economic losses nationwide. The 2023 hurricane season is projected to exceed $500 billion in costs, underscoring the escalating financial toll of extreme weather. Insurance premiums are also rising, with some homes becoming uninsurable due to repeated weather-related damages or their high-risk locations.

Georgians are also experiencing higher electricity bills as temperatures rise, driven by increased air conditioning usage during hotter summers. Extreme heat is projected to quadruple U.S. outdoor workers’ exposure to hazardous conditions by 2065, jeopardizing health and income. Georgia’s roughly 1 million outdoor workers—22% of the state’s workforce—stand to lose over $2.1 billion in total annual earnings due to extreme heat, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Health Impacts

The health consequences of fossil fuel use are severe and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Globally, millions of deaths are attributed to air pollution from burning fossil fuels. In Georgia, poor air quality exacerbates respiratory conditions, with about 1 in 10 children under 18 suffering from asthma—one of the highest rates in the nation. Asthma leads to over half a million missed school days annually and is the leading cause of pediatric hospital admissions in the state.

Extreme heat worsens health outcomes. Atlanta now experiences eight more extreme heat days annually compared to 1961, with the "heat wave season" lengthening by more than 80 days. Heat-related illnesses are on the rise, increasing hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, are particularly at risk.

Climate change is also facilitating the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and changing ecosystems create favorable conditions for mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses. During the 2024 Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) hearings, physicians presented emotional testimonies linking fossil fuel pollution to adverse health outcomes, including chronic respiratory illnesses in communities near coal plants. Many of Georgia’s coal plants are among the nation’s most polluting and are located near low-income and minority communities, exacerbating environmental injustices.

Lifestyle Impacts

Climate change is already altering daily life in Georgia and will continue to do so. Rising temperatures are limiting outdoor activities, affecting physical health and mental well-being. Organized sports, summer camps, and outdoor events are increasingly disrupted by extreme heat, reducing accessibility and increasing costs for families. Transportation and commuting are also impacted. High heat and degraded air quality discourage walking and biking, leading to greater reliance on vehicles and further fossil fuel use. This creates a feedback loop of environmental degradation and reduced quality of life.

Conclusion

Georgia’s reliance on fossil fuels comes at a steep cost—economically, socially, and environmentally. Low-income families bear the brunt of these impacts, as they lack resources to adapt to climate change. A recent report ranks Georgia as the 5th most vulnerable state to climate change in the U.S., largely due to its vulnerable populations. According to a 2022 poll by the University of Georgia’s School of Policy and International Affairs, low-income Georgians ranked climate change as their third most pressing concern, compared to seventh for voters overall.

Transitioning to renewable energy is not just an environmental imperative but an economic and social necessity. Investing in clean energy and sustainable practices will mitigate costs and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future for all Georgians.