illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: North Carolina has joined a growing list of states, including South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey, in implementing more stringent requirements for disclosing flood risks and history to potential homebuyers 
• This change aims to provide greater transparency about potential flood dangers and previous flood damage

🔭 The context: These changes come as the United States faces increasing flood risks due to climate change, with sea levels rising and storms becoming more powerful 
• Historically, many states have had limited or no requirements for flood risk disclosure, leaving buyers unaware of potential risks

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The move towards more comprehensive flood risk disclosure is part of a broader recognition of the escalating threats posed by climate change 
• By informing potential buyers about flood histories and risks, states aim to better prepare communities and reduce the impact of future climate-related disasters

⏭️ What's next: While several states have made progress in flood risk disclosure, many still lack such requirements 
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has proposed federal legislation to mandate minimum flood risk reporting requirements nationwide, but this has yet to become a reality

💬 One quote: “People deserve to know whether the house they are purchasing has flooded or could flood” (Brooks Rainey Pearson, Southern Environmental Law Center)

📈 One stat: In 2021, about 6.6% of home sales in New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina were properties that had previously experienced flooding, highlighting the importance of disclosure in real estate transaction

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change