Rising flood risk prompts mass migration and neighborhood abandonment

Flooding caused by climate change is driving millions of people to move out of their homes, impacting both prosperous and declining communities across the United States. A study by First Street Foundation reveals that in the first two decades of the 21st century, over 7 million people avoided or abandoned risky areas due to the threat of flooding. Climate change is intensifying hurricanes and increasing rainfall, leading researchers to predict that millions more will choose to relocate in the coming decades. The study also highlights the winners and losers at the neighborhood level, with flood-prone areas experiencing population decline while safer cities like Chicago are expected to attract more residents.