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nsurers in Texas warn that potential liabilities could exceed a trillion dollars as the home‑insurance crisis widens, the Houston Chronicle reports. A December study by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies noted premiums jumped roughly 20 % from 2020 to 2023. In January, wildfires that scorched Los Angeles drew headlines because many victims had just been dropped by insurers, and those who kept their policies saw costs soar. While California and Florida are the usual suspects, the same pattern now threatens Texas.

    Realtor.com’s September 3 analysis shows that 25 % of U.S. homes face severe risks from flooding, hurricanes or wildfires. The Chronicle added that more than $12 trillion of U.S. property is exposed to worsening extreme weather, with over $1 trillion of that value in Texas. Chief Economist Danielle Hale warned of a “knowledge gap” that matches the coverage gap, saying climate risk is no longer a distant threat but a present reality that puts a large share of real‑estate value at risk. She noted that many markets underestimate the true danger.

    The root of the crisis is extreme weather. As temperatures climb, storms become more destructive, costly and deadly—like pouring gasoline on a fire. Yet many residents in high‑risk areas remain unaware of the danger, and the problem is accelerating. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has even questioned the existence of extreme weather, a claim at odds with the data.

    In response to the January fires, California lawmakers introduced bills to close coverage gaps. Residents in vulnerable regions can lobby their representatives, but understanding the environmental drivers behind the crisis is essential. Subscribe to our free newsletter for practical tips and ways to protect both home and planet.