The Narrative of Safety and Resilience: How Climate Havens Frame Efforts to Accommodate Climate Migrants

• In Event: 21064 - Environment, Climate Change, and Mobility

Abstract

The adverse effects of global environmental change around the world are causing billions of dollars in damage and forcing millions of people to relocate. By 2050 in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, more than 143 million people could be displaced and forced to migrate internally. In the U.S., it is projected that 13.1 million people will need to relocate from coastal areas alone. It is quickly becoming imperative to develop a national strategy for climate migration in the U.S. In the face of federal inaction, it has been left to states and cities to decide how to best deal with the impacts of climate change. In this context, it is increasingly important to understand where climate migrants might head and how receiving cities might best prepare for rapid population increases. There is limited research on how self-proclaimed “climate haven” states such as New York, Michigan, and Ohio are framing their local efforts to attract and prepare for the arrival of climate migrants. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap. Using a rigorous content analysis of local newspapers from climate-haven states, this study seeks to understand the ways in which these cities and states are framing their intentional efforts to invite migrants to live there. In addition, this study also investigates what concrete steps have been taken to develop the housing and employment opportunities that will be necessary to attract and sustain a ballooning population. It is important to understand not only if they are successfully attracting climate migrants and why but if these locations are adequately prepared to handle the increased strain on physical infrastructure and social services not only for new residents but the existing population as well.

Authors

• Elizabeth Kiester, Hood College

• Saleh Ahmed, Michigan State University

• Elizabeth Eklund, Purdue University