Navigating Climate Change: The Urgency of Preparing for Miami’s Evacuation and Climate Migration

Miami is drowning. The city’s future is uncertain, with rising seas, swelling groundwater, and flooded buildings becoming more common occurrences. In fact, Miami has been declared the most vulnerable major coastal city in the world. The time to act is now, and the focus should be on preparing for Miami’s evacuation and the arrival of climate migrants in an egalitarian way.

The concept of managed retreat is often discussed in climate conversations, but the bigger challenge lies in managed arrival. As millions of Americans face displacement due to rising seas and other climate-related disasters, the need for massive investments in social housing, public transit, and community infrastructure becomes apparent.

Miami is a perfect starting point for planning for climate migration. By preparing for the evacuation of its residents and integrating arriving migrants into communities with public green investments, cities across the country can get a head start on planning for the inevitable influx of climate migrants.

However, Miami’s current approach to climate adaptation is disjointed and inadequate. Short-term solutions like elevating roads have resulted in unintended consequences, and the city’s finances are tied to continued development, hindering progress. Real estate interests often undermine the changes needed to adapt to climate perils, and political influence must be unraveled to allow for meaningful progress.

It’s not too late for Miami. By focusing on fighting real estate interests, prioritizing protection and restoration, and allowing the city to help itself, Miami can become a model for climate adaptation for the rest of the world. Evacuation may be necessary in the future, but by acting now, Miami can show the world how to adapt to the planet’s changing climate and save itself from drowning.