Climate change: A climate migration pilot program could enhance the nation’s resilience and reduce federal fiscal exposure

Sea level rise due to climate change threatens areas where millions of Americans live. In all but the lowest projections, retreat or relocation of communities from coastal areas will be unavoidable, according to the U.S. Global Change Research Program.One way to prepare is to preemptively move away from vulnerable areas. But few communities have considered such climate migration. There is some related federal funding, but it’s hard to use for climate migration because the programs are designed to address other priorities.This study recommends Congress consider establishing a federally-led pilot program to help communities interested in relocation.