Americans are abandoning areas of high flood risk in significant numbers, according to research by the First Street Foundation.
Climate Abandonment Areas account for more than 818,000 Census Blocks and lost a total of 3.2 million-plus residents due to flooding from 2000 to 2020, the study found. Analysts combined historic population change trends with flood risk data, identifying climate migration patterns in areas with high flood risk across the U.S.
In the next 30 years, current Climate Abandonment Areas are projected to lose 2.5 million more residents due to flood risk. Emerging Climate Abandonment Areas are expected to soon reach a tipping point and are projected to lose five million residents, 24% of their population, by 2053.
Those left behind in abandonment areas will likely be people of modest means who cannot afford to leave.
Related Stories
Legislation | May 11, 2016
Two bills seek to expand flood insurance policy writing to private carriers
Thanks to new floodplain maps, this market, previously the sole province of a federal program, looks more profitable.
Resiliency | May 2, 2016
Connecticut to develop new code standards for resiliency
Expected more frequent severe weather events due to climate change prompts review.
Resiliency | Apr 6, 2016
Houston at high risk for major damage from hurricanes
After a decade of study, little has been done to improve resiliency.
Resiliency | Mar 24, 2016
HGA and Perkins+Will join National Resilience Initiative Network
The Minneapolis offices of the two firms will partner with the University of Minnesota College of Design in the Upper Midwest hub of the NRI network.
Sustainability | Mar 17, 2016
New York City releases Design and Construction Excellence 2.0 Guiding Principles
Addresses sustainability, resiliency, healthy living.
Resiliency | Feb 22, 2016
Legal challenge filed over N.J.’s new coastal management regulations
Groups argue rules make it easier to build in flood-prone areas.
Resiliency | Feb 16, 2016
Obama establishes federal earthquake risk management standard
The standard requires federal agencies to use earthquake-resistant design provisions in current building codes.
Resiliency | Feb 2, 2016
New York City’s post-Hurricane Sandy resiliency efforts hailed as exemplar
Lessons learned can help urban areas cope with climate change impacts.
Resiliency | Jan 29, 2016
Section of New Orleans will try new approach to flood control
The city will turn to a retain and control storm water strategy.
Resiliency | Jan 13, 2016
LEED credits on resiliency expected to influence future of building design
Post-disaster survivability is a key goal.
