Mississippi has a lot more to do in order to prepare for its future risks associated with climate change-related extreme heat, drought, wildfire and coastal flooding. While it is doing a good job addressing its current risks, the state has taken very few steps to understand its future vulnerabilities, plan for them, and implement resilience strategies.
America's Preparedness Report Card 2015
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Extreme Heat
Mississippi faces one of the nation's greatest threats from extreme heat, both today and in the future, yet the state is lacking in its level of preparedness. By 2050, the state is projected to see an average of 100 days a year when the temperature reaches dangerous levels. Developing a climate change adaptation plan would help the state protect its people and assets.
Drought
Mississippi is taking as much action as the majority of states to prepare for the drought risks it currently faces. However, the state is doing a lot less than other states when it comes to preparing for future drought. Overall, Mississippi has taken almost no steps to prepare for climate change-related drought risks.
Wildfires
Similar to its other climate threats, Mississippi has done a lot of work to prepare for its current wildfire risks but has taken almost no actions to prepare for future risks. Mississippi has not conducted a statewide climate change vulnerability assessment or developed an adaptation plan related to wildfire, even though the state's wildfire threat is projected to see a large increase by 2050.
Inland Flooding
Grades were assigned only when threats were identified as priorities for that state. For details, see the methodology.
Coastal Flooding
Mississippi has one of the worst preparedness scores when it comes to coastal flooding. Nationally, most states are showing future-focused preparedness for coastal flooding but Mississippi is one of only three states that has taken almost no action to address its future risks.