Opinions about climate change may vary, but the costs of climate-related damage - and insuring against it - are a fact of life. Because of that, companies take climate risks into account when deciding where to locate. CNBC considers sustainability and resilience in the annual America's Top States for Business competitiveness rankings. Some states are much riskier than others.

Disasters, whether due to climate change or natural anomalies, can be costly. According to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, weather and climate disasters in the U.S. caused nearly $93 billion in damage last year alone. Every part of the country faces some level of risk, with hazards such as wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and wind affecting different regions.

Certain states are more vulnerable to climate risks than others, and even among those less vulnerable, some are not doing enough to mitigate the potential dangers. Vital resources such as power and water are crucial to a state's economic competitiveness. Noncompliance or inefficiency in these areas can add costs for businesses, impacting the overall attractiveness of a state for investment.

Recognizing the significance of sustainability and resilience, companies now increasingly consider a state's preparedness in these areas when deciding where to locate. CNBC has incorporated sustainability into the Infrastructure category, accounting for 17% of a state's overall ranking in this year's America's Top States for Business study.

To evaluate sustainability and resilience, several factors were taken into account. First Street Foundation, a nonprofit research organization, provided state-level figures on properties at risk of major damage from flooding, extreme heat, wildfires, and wind over the next three decades. NOAA data on extreme weather events in the respective regions, as well as U.S. Department of Energy's renewable power data, were also considered.

Among the ten states that require more efforts in preparing for climate risks are:

10. Maryland: With a significant coastline in the Chesapeake Bay region, Maryland faces the challenge of rising sea levels. Almost all of the state's 2.2 million properties are vulnerable to major damage over the next 30 years, with nearly 11% at risk from flooding. In 2021, Maryland adopted a Climate Adaptation Resilience Framework aimed at enhancing the state's infrastructure sustainability by 2030.

9. (tie) Delaware: Despite being a small state, Delaware confronts significant climate challenges, mainly related to rising sea levels. A report projected that climate change could cost the state over $1 billion annually by 2080. Delaware has developed a Climate Resilience Action Plan, primarily focusing on infrastructure hardening. However, the state needs to address its low level of renewable energy adoption.

9. (tie) Texas: Extreme weather, including extreme heat, cold snaps, and dangerous hurricanes, is a common reality in The Lone Star State. However, Texas has not yet developed a comprehensive statewide strategy to deal with climate risks. The state's power grid vulnerability was evident during the recent outages. While Texas has substantial wind energy resources, the utilization of renewables lags behind due to its reliance on the oil industry.

These are just a few examples of the ten states that should prioritize sustainability and resilience planning. In an era of increasing climate risks, it is essential for states to take proactive measures to protect their infrastructure and attract businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability.

By addressing vulnerabilities and promoting renewable energy adoption, these states can enhance their long-term competitiveness and preparedness against the growing risks associated with climate change. The need to act is urgent, as climate change impacts continue to affect various sectors and communities nationwide.