Climate Migrants Are Real—Now What?
In episode 224 of America Adapts we’re diving into climate change and human mobility—how rising seas, extreme weather, and disasters are forcing communities to relocate and what that means for policy and planning. Joining the podcast is Dr. Eric Chu, who’s helping lead a new webinar series (where America Adapts was the moderator) on this topic with CCST (California Council on Science and Technology), the UC Disaster Resilience Network, and the UC Berkeley Center for Security in Politics. We’ll talk about how cities can prepare for climate-driven displacement, how researchers can better engage with policymakers, and what lessons we can take from California’s leadership in adaptation. Eric’s been involved in some major climate convenings, including discussions on wildfire smoke and policy action at the university level. There’s a lot to unpack!
Transcript of this interview available here.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is climate migration?
Climate migration refers to the movement of people due to environmental changes caused by climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and prolonged droughts. These migrations can be temporary or permanent.
📄 Related Resource: Understanding Climate Migration
2. How many people are expected to be displaced by climate change?
Estimates suggest that over 200 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050. The actual number will depend on how governments and communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.
📄 Related Resource: UN Report on Climate Migration
3. Which regions are most vulnerable to climate displacement?
Low-lying coastal areas, island nations, and regions prone to extreme heat or drought—such as parts of the Pacific Islands, Bangladesh, and sub-Saharan Africa—are particularly at risk. In the U.S., states like Florida, Louisiana, and California face increased displacement risks.
📄 Related Resource: Climate Induced displacement
4. What policies can help climate migrants?
Governments and organizations can support climate migrants through resettlement programs, improved legal protections, international agreements, and local adaptation strategies like managed retreat and infrastructure investments.
📄 Related Resource: U.S. Government Climate Migration Policy Overview
5. How can I help address climate migration?
You can advocate for climate policies, support organizations working with displaced communities, and raise awareness about the issue. If you're in a vulnerable area, consider local resilience planning and adaptation strategies.
📄 Related Resource: Support Climate Migrants: Donate to the Climate Justice Alliance
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Links in this episode:
https://ccst.us/register-climate-change-and-human-mobility-briefing-series/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzT8noY0IVM
UC Disaster Resilience Network
UC Berkeley Center for Security in Politics
https://ccst.us/people/staff/eric-chu/
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Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1
https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/
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