Climate Change Is Forcing Americans to Move—And They Need Help | Opinion

The Growing Crisis of Climate Displacement in America

The Trump administration’s rollback of climate change policies and its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement have left millions of Americans vulnerable to the escalating impacts of global warming. By removing climate change language from federal websites, ending climate disaster response within the Department of Homeland Security, and considering the elimination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. government is turning its back on those displaced by extreme weather events. This comes at a critical moment, as 2023 was recorded as the hottest year in history, surpassing the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold deemed safe by global leaders. With each additional degree of warming, the consequences of climate change—more powerful storms, rising sea levels, and devastating floods—will become more catastrophic and irreversible.

The Escalating Threat of Climate Migration

The U.S. government’s 2024 Annual Climate Report warns that rising ocean temperatures and sea levels will lead to more frequent and destructive tropical cyclones and floods. These events will displace millions of Americans, with over 3 million already classified as climate migrants due to the increasing risk of flooding. By the end of the century, an additional 13 million Americans are projected to be displaced, particularly in coastal regions like Florida, New York City, and other vulnerable areas. These displacements will create instability across the country, forcing Americans to flee their homes to escape sea-level rise, wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts. For many, especially low-income families and communities of color, relocation is a precarious and costly endeavor, leaving them without the resources to adapt to the climate crisis.

The Essential Role of FEMA in Climate Resilience

FEMA has long played a critical role in helping communities access federal resources for relocation and rebuilding. Its Community-Driven Relocation Subcommittee, launched to support voluntary movements away from high-risk areas, is a lifeline for those threatened by climate change. Over the past two decades, FEMA has assisted entire towns in relocating to safer areas, from New Jersey and North Carolina to Alaska and Louisiana. These preemptive relocations not only save lives but also save millions of taxpayer dollars by avoiding the repetitive costs of rebuilding damaged homes and infrastructure. By prioritizing relocation, FEMA ensures that communities can thrive in safer environments, reducing the financial and human toll of climate disasters.

Building Resilience in the Face of Climate Change

While cities across America are working to become more resilient to climate change, they cannot succeed alone. Rep. Yvette Clarke’s smart cities legislation emphasizes the need for federal support to improve quality of life, provide clean air and resources, and build climate-resilient communities. FEMA is at the heart of this effort, identifying at-risk zones, working with vulnerable communities, and leveraging federal resources to preparedness and mitigation. The agency’s proactive approach is vital to safeguarding communities on the front lines of the climate crisis, particularly low-income and marginalized populations. By acting now to identify safer areas for relocation and building community resilience, we can prevent the worst impacts of climate change before they occur.

A Call to Action for Climate Migration

America’s climate migration crisis demands immediate attention and action. By preserving FEMA and other federal support systems, the U.S. can fund preemptive relocations, secure safe zones, and build resilience for communities nationwide. The stakes are high, and the window for action is narrowing. Climate displacement is no longer a distant threat but a harsh reality that demands a national effort. From Altadena, California, to Asheville, North Carolina, communities across the country are facing the devastating consequences of climate change. By supporting these communities and addressing the root causes of the crisis, we can ensure that no American is left behind in the fight against global warming.

Conclusion: A National Imperative to Act Now

The climate migration moment is upon us, and it requires urgent and sustained action. The Trump administration’s rollback of climate policies has left a void in leadership, but it is not too late to course-correct. By prioritizing FEMA, supporting climate migration efforts, and addressing the systemic inequalities that exacerbate displacement, the U.S. can lead the way in building a resilient and equitable future. The next fire, flood, or hurricane is inevitable, but with the right policies and resources in place, we can prevent millions of Americans from being forced onto the streets. Climate migration is not just an environmental issue—it is a humanitarian crisis that demands a national response. The time to act is now.