’We can’t escape’: climate crisis is driving up cost of living in the US west

Extreme weather, fueled by global heating, is affecting energy, water, insurance premiums and food and housing costs

Minerva Contreras can't keep up with the bills.

Recently, after a series of extreme heatwaves in California forced her family to run the AC, her monthly electricity costs rose to about $500. Her water bill averages around $100, but because the water is contaminated with pesticides from nearby agricultural fields, her family spends an additional $140 each month to purchase jugs of drinking water. Her grocery bills have gone up as well, after a spate of winter storms disrupted harvests across the state.