Climate Risk Scores on Home Listings Face Criticism from Conservative Groups
The inclusion of climate risk scores on online home listings has sparked a political debate. These scores, provided by private companies like First Street, assess potential exposure to climate-related hazards such as flooding and wildfires. While supporters argue that these scores offer a comprehensive view of future risks, critics, particularly from conservative groups, claim they may unfairly influence property values and buyer decisions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides historical flood data, but First Street's scores incorporate predictive modeling to estimate future risks. Critics argue that these scores could overstate risks and discourage potential buyers, affecting the real estate market.