Inside this article, we'll explore some of the reasons low-income households can face particularly high energy burdens, and why simply asking people to use less energy isn't enough to solve the problem.

Most of us pay an electricity or heating bill each month, but not everyone spends the same share of their income to keep the lights on or their home at a safe temperature. That share of a household's income spent on energy is known as the energy burden. For example, a $100 energy bill places a much greater financial strain on a household earning $30,000 a year than on one earning $130,000.

We are thrilled to share that Institute for Climate Action, Research, and Experience (I-CARE) was recently featured in a deep-dive article by Fielding Graduate University. The story spotlights our ongoing work to understand how climate change impacts people emotionally, socially, and physically, and develop practical solutions to better the lives of people and communities. Fielding's story features insights from key members of our leadership team. Our Executive Director Dr. D

The Institute for Climate Action, Research, and Experience officially launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2026. Wide angle view of people in nature and a large sprawling tree. Our Start I-CARE was founded by Damon Watkins, PhD, and Jess Lasoff-Santos, PhD, in response to three converging realities. First, extreme weather and climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent. Second, much of climate research focuses on environmental systems, while less attention is given to ho