Should you consider relocating to avoid climate-related extreme weather, drought, or disasters? While there is merit in working to combat climate change in your current location, moving may be necessary in some cases. Online tools can help you assess climate risks in your area and potential new locations. The term “climate refugee” may be controversial, but people are already being displaced by weather-related disasters and environmental degradation. By 2050, over 200 million people are expected to migrate due to these factors. Extreme weather and natural disasters are increasingly linked to climate change. Real estate may not be as stable an investment as it once was, with many Americans affected by natural disasters in recent years. It’s important to consider climate risks when making a long-term investment in a home.
Online tools are available to help you assess specific risks in your area, such as FEMA’s National Risk Index and websites like Augurisk and RiskFactor.com. It’s important to review different sources of data and consider the context of risk scores before making any decisions about relocating. While AI-generated tools can provide valuable insights into hazards facing a particular area, they should not be the sole factor in decision-making.
Regardless of where you live, it’s crucial to be prepared for natural disasters and work towards making your home and community more resilient to climate change. Consider going solar and adding a battery storage system to increase your resilience to power outages. EnergySage offers a free service to help you find trusted solar installers near you. Making an informed decision based on the risks associated with climate change is essential to achieving the lifestyle you desire.