Ann Arbor has branded itself a “climate haven” for potential immigrants, suggesting it is safe from increasingly destructive weather events spurred by human-made climate change. State news interviewed researchers who investigate climate migration and the promotion of this. Claiming to be a “climate paradise” is actually quite difficult, according to Julie Arbit of the University of Michigan.
“They are already not climate paradises,” Arbit said. “It’s kind of a story driven a little bit by real estate and the news media. I think the term ‘sanctuary’ is somewhat problematic or irresponsible. No matter how well off they are, how considerate they are, I think there are other terms that are just more appropriate that do not give people a false sense of security.”
What’s going on?
We already have that seen studies shows how forest fires driving people out of Maui, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Ann Arbor isn’t the only city that claims to be a “climate paradise,” ready to welcome people from these areas. Asheville, North Carolina, also took a similar approach to attracting new residents, yet it got in the way of Hurricane Helene in September 2024. All who moved there to avoid extreme weather events would have been particularly disappointing.
Why is climate migration worrying?
The legitimacy of these “climate paradise” claims is one thing, but if they still work to attract newcomers, then there are new problems. First, there is a class gap in mobility. Those who are able to move cities will leave less space in supposedly safe cities and increase housing prices. In the meantime, those who cannot afford to move will remain in disaster-prone areas. This also means racial inequality, according to Arbit.
“Historically, people of color have only had access to certain spaces, while white and higher-income communities have generally been able to live wherever they want. If you look at a migration, it’s going to be people with mobility, with means moving.
What is being done about climate migration?
It is possible to plan for climate migration by ensuring that the infrastructure is in place before a large wave of people arrives. This includes the basics, such as healthcare, education and housing.
When it comes to messaging, it is possible to simply come at it from a different angle. Cities can be designed as climate resilient with the infrastructure in place to mitigate extreme weather without expecting them to avoid the events altogether. It is also possible to promote sustainable behavior through society.
Derek Van Berkel, assistant professor at the University of Michigan, is hopeful about the benefits of migration, provided there is adequate planning.
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“I think there’s a great opportunity there to create sustainable, resilient and just communities,” Van Berkel said, according to State News. “It could be part of a renewal.”
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