A good topic for the 2026 mid-year exam essay could be "The Economic Impacts of Climate Change on the United States." This topic is timely and relevant due to the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which have significant economic consequences. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States experienced 18 climate and weather disasters in 2021 that each caused over $1 billion in damage, totaling over $95 billion in economic losses. This data underscores the urgency of understanding and mitigating the economic impacts of climate change, making it an ideal essay topic for students to explore.