“Climate Change Could Displace 13.1 Million Americans by 2100 – Where Will They Go?”
A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE has revealed alarming projections regarding the potential displacement of millions of people in the US due to flooding caused by climate change. According to the study, up to 13.1 million individuals could be forced to leave their homes by the end of the century as rising sea levels inundate coastal areas.
To put this number into perspective, it is equivalent to relocating the entire populations of major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Denver. The study, which builds upon previous research published in the journal Nature in 2017, likens this potential mass migration to the Great Migration of African Americans in the 20th century.
The researchers behind the study utilized projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which anticipates a sea-level rise of up to 6 feet by 2100 under severe circumstances. They then modeled the potential migration patterns of individuals living in coastal areas that would be permanently flooded.
The results of the study indicate that nearly every county in the US could see an influx of climate migrants due to sea-level rise. By 2100, it is estimated that more than a third of the US population could reside in counties where the number of migrants has doubled as a result of flooding.
The study also predicts that certain cities, particularly those located along the Sunbelt, will become popular destinations for climate migrants. Cities like Sacramento, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte, and Raleigh are expected to see a significant increase in population as individuals seek refuge from coastal flooding.
While the influx of migrants could potentially strain resources and infrastructure in these cities, the authors of the study suggest that it could also have positive economic impacts. Previous research has shown that an increase in migrants can lead to lower unemployment rates and higher GDP growth, which could benefit cities with weaker economies like Orlando, Sacramento, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Overall, the study highlights the urgent need for further research and planning to address the socio-economic impacts of climate-driven migration. As sea levels continue to rise, the displacement of millions of people in the US is a looming reality that requires proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.