This study — submitted to the Legislature on March 16, 2026 — shows that climate change is expensive for Minnesotans and provides an evidence-supported estimate of adaptation investments to address climate impacts.
Without proactive investments in preparedness and adaptation, Minnesota could expect to see more than $20 billion in damages each year by 2040. By the year 2070, if global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and we don’t take proactive measures to adapt, the estimated annual costs could exceed $50 billion.
These figures represent not just government costs, but also costs that everyday Minnesotans will pay. The good news is there are well documented and effective solutions available. The report presents opportunities for adaptation across key economic sectors in Minnesota, including health, agriculture, energy systems, transportation, and ecosystems. It came on the heels of similar statewide reports from Delaware, Wisconsin, Ohio, Colorado, and Massachusetts, with more in the works nationwide.
