Since 2022, RAPID has been asking California parents of young children about their family’s economic circumstances, well-being, use of child care, and more. This multi-year, statewide survey aims to better understand the experiences of California families with children under age 6, lift up parent voices, and promote data-informed policies and programs that support families.
The number, frequency, and unpredictability of extreme weather events creates numerous and ever-changing challenges, including poor air quality, unstable access to clean food and water, and disruptions to school and work. The 2023 National Climate Assessment reported that California is among the top five U.S. states in terms of costs from damages caused by extreme weather events.
As part of its work, RAPID asks caregivers in California about extreme weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, drought, abnormally warm/cold weather, and wildfires).
In this fact sheet, we use data collected in August 2024 to document parents’ experiences with extreme weather and its relationship to family well-being and economic circumstances. These data from California complement a national RAPID survey fact sheet on caregivers’ experiences with extreme weather.
One in two California families with children under 6 report concerns about extreme weather impacting their young children
The data show that extreme weather is an issue affecting California families with young children across all income levels, races, ethnicities, and geographic locations.
About a quarter (23%) of California parents have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the past two years, and more than half of California parents (55%) report being worried about extreme weather and the impact it may have on their children.
In their responses to open-ended questions, many parents are stressed and concerned about preparing and responding to unpredictable and extreme weather, as indicated by the quotes in this fact sheet.
Extreme weather poses short- and long-term risks to children and can have serious effects on children’s current and future health, learning, and development. Additionally, parents’ stress associated with coping with extreme weather events increases household stress, and undermines family, child, and caregiver well-being that is essential to positive development.
“During particularly severe weather events, we’ve faced the challenge of deciding whether to evacuate, which has been stressful and logistically difficult.” Parent in San Bernardino County, CA
“We have evacuation bags ready in case of wildfires that commonly occur in our area.” Parent in Sonoma County, CA
“[I] worry about climate change for my kids and their following generations.” Parent in Orange County, CA
“We were evacuated and our insurance dropped us.” Parent in Santa Cruz County, CA
California parents’ reported being worried about extreme weather and the impact it may have on their children, overall
Abnormally warm weather is a particular concern for caregivers of young children
When we asked California parents to tell us about the types of extreme weather they are experiencing, the most frequent response was abnormally warm temperatures (15%).
“We have to worry more often about applying sunscreen and making sure they are adequately hydrated. It’s harder to enjoy time outside when it’s so warm.” Parent in San Diego County, CA
“Stress and less time doing fun things because it’s too hot, even inside.” Parent in Alameda County, CA
“We installed a heat pump so we would have air conditioning for heat waves and wildfire smoke days.” Parent in San Francisco County, CA
Young children are particularly sensitive to heat stress because their smaller bodies heat up faster and are less efficient in releasing heat via sweating. Young children are also less likely to seek out water and cooler spaces, increasing their risk of heat exposure and dehydration, which can be dangerous or even fatal, and those with chronic health conditions are even more prone to heat-related illnesses.
Many California families faced higher electricity bills in summer 2024
To help understand the potential economic impacts of extreme weather on families with young children, we asked parents: “How are your electricity costs this summer compared with an average summer month in previous years?”
More than two in five (43%) parents report having higher electricity costs in summer 2024 compared with previous summers. This finding builds on data from an earlier fact sheet in which we reported that a third of California families with young children have trouble paying for utilities, and that among those families reporting this hardship, nearly all (96%) reported difficulty affording electricity.
Parents’ responses to open-ended questions also show that extreme weather is driving increased use of electricity.
“Bills going up because of excessive use of A/C units.” Parent in Los Angeles County, CA
“The need to repair weather-related damage and the higher utility bills during extreme temperatures have strained our household budget.” Parent in Siskiyou County, CA
“The costs associated with preparing for and recovering from extreme weather, such as repairing damage or stocking up on supplies, have added financial pressure.” Parent in San Bernardino County, CA
California parents’ reported electricity costs compared to previous summer, overall
California families with young children are spending less time outside
To understand other ways that extreme weather is affecting young children and their families, we asked caregivers about changes in their health, well-being, and time spent outside.
More than half (58%) of California parents say their children’s physical health or emotional well-being is negatively affected by extreme weather, and 49% of parents say their own physical health or emotional well-being is negatively affected by extreme weather.
“Unable to go outside and worried about cancerous toxins in the air.” Parent in San Francisco County, CA
“Using air purifiers and tracking air quality and limiting outside play.” Parent in Kings County, CA
“Smoke from wildfires and extreme heat limit outdoor play time. We try to get away (beach, areas not affected by smoke) some days.” Parent in San Luis Obispo County, CA
Extreme weather is also reducing the amount of time that California families spend outside. More than half (51%) of California parents report spending less time outside with children due to extreme temperatures and weather. Spending less time outside is the most prevalent extreme weather impact that families report.
Research shows that spending time outside offers many benefits, including health benefits, to caregivers and young children, and it is notable that families are reducing their opportunities to benefit from outside time due to extreme weather events.
California parents’ reported impacts from extreme weather, overall
Conclusion
Rising temperatures and other extreme weather events are disrupting access to clean water, food, and safe living conditions, which is directly affecting children’s health and development. Extreme weather also puts stress on caregivers, who are striving to create safe and healthy environments for their children, creating a chain reaction that puts stress on children and families and harms the stable, nurturing care that parents seek to provide and that is essential to healthy development in early childhood.
Children are particularly sensitive to the health impacts of extreme weather, and many California families with young children are experiencing negative physical health and emotional well-being effects because of extreme weather. Across the state, and indeed across the country, parents of young children are facing challenges posed by unpredictable and extreme weather. These challenges threaten the well-being and development of young children and families.
With more caregivers facing these challenges, there is an important opportunity to address their concerns and work toward living conditions that support healthy development. By taking steps to mitigate the effects of extreme weather on families and improve the environments in which children are developing, we can help ensure the well-being of each and every child, while also contributing to a more sustainable future for California’s communities.
