climate migration
A broken census can’t keep up with climate migration in Louisiana
Four years after back-to-back hurricanes slammed Lake Charles, Louisiana, the city is still grappling with the long-term impact of population loss, complicating its recovery and future political representation.
In short:
- The 2020 hurricanes displaced nearly 7% of Lake Charles’ population, a loss that worsened due to inadequate tracking systems.
- The U.S. Census Bureau’s data collection was disrupted by the storms, invalidating much of the data gathered, complicating redistricting and resource distribution.
- The demographic shift deepened racial and economic divides, with wealthier, whiter areas recovering faster than poorer, predominantly Black neighborhoods.
Key quote:
“There’s no way the census, every 10 years, will be able to manage keeping up with the rapid population shifts that are already happening.”
— Daniel Aldrich, Northeastern University, professor of political science
Why this matters:
This isn’t just about a few people leaving town; it’s about whole communities being displaced, and the Census—the system meant to account for us all—might be missing the mark. Read more: Poor southerners are joining the globe’s climate migrants.
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Newsletter
People are moving to risky areas despite climate dangers
Despite growing climate threats, over 300,000 Americans relocated to flood or fire-prone areas last year, driven by affordability and housing availability in states like Florida and Texas.
In short:
- A Redfin report shows that U.S. counties most vulnerable to floods and fires saw a population increase from July 2022 to July 2023, though some fire-prone areas in California saw a net outflow.
- Rising insurance costs due to increased climate-related disasters are making some areas unaffordable, prompting moves away from places like California's Ventura County.
- Despite risks, affordability and low taxes in Texas and Florida continue to attract residents to these vulnerable areas.
Key quote:
"In this new world, this new regime that we live in, maybe people are changing their behavior a bit."
— Elijah de la Campa, Redfin senior economist
Why this matters:
As climate change exacerbates extreme weather, more Americans face increased risks and financial burdens by moving to vulnerable areas. Understanding these migration patterns helps address the need for improved infrastructure and resilience planning in at-risk communities.
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Rising sea levels threaten women's reproductive health in Bangladesh
Women in Bangladesh are suffering severe health impacts from saltwater intrusion, a consequence of climate change that could soon affect other parts of the world.
Zoya Teirstein and Mahadi Al Hasnat report for Grist, Vox, and The 19th.
In short:
- Saltwater intrusion in Bangladesh is causing reproductive health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles and infections, particularly affecting women.
- The rise in sea levels, intensified by climate change, is pushing saline water inland, contaminating drinking water supplies and driving migration from rural areas to cities.
- Similar threats from rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion are emerging globally, affecting countries like Egypt, Vietnam, and the U.S.
Key quote:
“The people are trapped. When you don’t have water to drink, how do you live?”
— Zion Bodrud-Doza, researcher at the University of Guelph.
Why this matters:
As sea levels rise, saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies is a growing global health crisis, especially impacting women's reproductive health and driving mass migrations. Read more: Of water and fever.
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Drought touches a quarter of humanity, U.N. says, disrupting life globally
The crisis, worsened partly by climate change, has been accompanied by soaring food prices and could have consequences for hunger, elections and migration worldwide.
Newsletter
Study: Climate migration will leave the elderly behind
Coastal populations will get older — and more fragile — as young people flee rising seas, according to new academic research.
Top Story
Flooding drives millions to move as climate-driven migration patterns emerge
Flood risk and climate change are pushing millions of people to move from their homes, according to a new study by the risk analysis firm First Street Foundation.
Newsletter
Climate migration's billion-dollar question: Who manages the retreat?
Federal efforts to protect communities from climate disasters with buyouts and resilience projects are often fractured and poorly coordinated. Is there a better way?
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