Santa Cruz, California

A lifeguard was overcome by strong waves while attempting to rescue a struggling swimmer near Santa Cruz, California. The incident was captured on video, highlighting the intensity of the rescue operation.

A study by Stanford University and other institutions finds climate change could nearly double household water costs in some U.S. cities, particularly in Santa Cruz, California, as municipal systems require costly upgrades. Low-income residents may be disproportionately affected, as water rates have already risen three times faster than inflation over two decades.