From The Boston Globe · · 1m
Vermont Climate Refuge Status
Vermont's climate resilience reputation ends as new report shows rising vulnerability.
In brief
Vermont's climate resilience reputation ends as new report shows rising vulnerability. Vermont is no longer a climate refuge due to aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and climate impacts on agriculture and tourism. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Vermont's Climate Refuges
Vermont once seemed a climate-change refuge from wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts.
2017 EPA Climate Resilience
In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency called Vermont one of the most climate-resilient states.
2017 Governor's View
Longtime Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, said climate change could be beneficial to Vermont in 2017.
2025 Climate Assessment
The University of Vermont released a 2025 Climate Assessment showing Vermont's rising vulnerability.
2023-2024 Flood Damage
Catastrophic summer floods of 2023 and 2024 caused over $1 billion in damage to Vermont.
Climate Whiplash
Vermont experienced climate whiplash with two waterlogged summers followed by a severe drought in 2025.
Infrastructure Vulnerability
Vermont's aging infrastructure, including dams and utility poles, faces increasing climate risks.
The bottom line
Vermont is no longer a climate refuge due to aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and climate impacts on agriculture and tourism.
