The Texas Observer has reportedon a new study which found that greenhouse gas emissions could cost Texas billions if left unchecked. The report, by the Risky Business Project, studied many factors, including rising energy costs and heat-related deaths. Texas is expected to be most affected by extreme heat and rising sea levels. Hot temperatures could have a debilitating effect on agriculture, and the encroaching ocean will lead to significant property damage. The number of days with temperatures over 95 degrees is expected to almost double by midcentury.
The report expects $650 million dollars in coastal storm-related losses by 2050. During that same period, the decrease in agricultural productivity could cost the state another 13 billion dollars.