How much is climate change costing Augusta and beyond?

Climate change is responsible for increasing the intensity and frequency of weather and climate-related disasters, according to experts.

Since 1980, overall damages throughout the U.S have reached or exceeded $3.1 trillion. As of June 2025, the U.S. has sustained 417 extreme weather events with a total cost exceeding $1 billion, according to Climate Central .

The City of Augusta submitted 47 projects to FEMA, including debris removal, emergency protective measures, road and bridge repairs, utility upgrades, park maintenance, and management costs. Here's a partial financial breakdown on the cost of recovery efforts in Augusta and beyond following Hurricane Helene:

Overall estimated damages from Hurricane Helene totaled $81 million.

$62.7 million has been submitted to FEMA.

$22.4 mill