Over the course of this century, many millions of coastal-dwelling Americans will be uprooted by sea level rise and forced to head inland. There's a term for that, IDP, or internally displaced persons.
A new study out of the University of Georgia ponders where these all-American migrants will go.
Scientists believe sea-level rise will trigger movements similar to those observed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The movements may happen more gradually, but they will likely occur on a grander scale. Researchers estimate as many as 13.1 million people will be displaced by sea level rise in the coming decades.
Population growth presents a variety of challenges, from traffic congestion to water supply. Cities across the Sun Belt are already struggling to meet the water and electricity demands of growing populations.
"Some of the anticipated landlocked destinations, such as Las Vegas, Atlanta and Riverside, California, already struggle with water management or growth management challenges," Hauer said. "Incorporating accommodation strategies in strategic long-range planning could help alleviate the potential future intensification of these challenges."
Similar patterns of climate migration are expected globally. In addition to sea level rise, extreme heat and droughts could render much of the Middle East and parts of Africa uninhabitable -- inspiring mass migrations.
Sea level rise is really small potatoes when it comes to climate migration. Resource depletion and exhaustion, the scarcity of safe freshwater, crop failures and famine, epidemics and warfare are among mass migration multipliers that lurk on the horizon.
6 comments:
Spread those rednecks around. Let freedom ring...
There will be many more than 13.1 million people displaced by rising waters. I understand that 20% of Bangladesh will go under water. It won't be just Dana's rednecks knocking on Canada's doors. From a standard of food security, Canada is over crowded. When the fecal matter collides with the rotary motion device life in all Canadian cities and most towns will get ugly. Even rural areas will be tough.
Here's a sample from the Depression years.
You mean the guys with gun versus the pinkos without them?
I have always fancied seeing lefties reduced to mere beast of burden.
"the guys with gun"? Work on the grammar there, Anon. And what makes you think only you knuckle draggers have guns? You might do well to come out to my range some time. But, seriously, that's only for grownups so you probably should give it a pass.
I kinda agree with Lovelock....
that the best case scenario is enclaves of humans surviving around the planet in landlocked areas that can keep enough education etc happening to preserve a level of technology that can withstand the environmental changes. He threw out 400M as est population. He is also a fan of nuclear energy and more recently recanted some of his prophesies. (I think he's just pissed he won't be here to see the big changes.... nor will you or I Mound)
I think Malthus had it all right in principle (just needed a complete data-set to fix the timeline)
Anyong...and then there is Newfoundland an Island, where sea level is also rising. They will need to go somewhere as well. Haw-haw......we could build a wall to keep those pesky Americans out...couldn't we. Smile!!
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