When climate change threatens communities, who gets to stay?

Many U.S. communities are facing the hard choice of relocating due to worsening climate threats, raising questions about fairness in who gets to stay and who must move.

Jake Bittle reports for Grist.

In short:

• U.S. governments are using federal funds to buy out homes in climate-vulnerable areas, but not all residents agree to leave.
• Wealthier communities often resist relocation, while lower-income areas are more likely to accept buyouts due to economic constraints.
• A lack of a clear national strategy on climate adaptation has led to inequities in who gets protected and who gets displaced.

Key quote:

“It’s very limiting to conceptualize retreat in terms of property and possessions, rather than asking, ‘What kinds of relationships with my community am I able to maintain?’”

— Simona Capisani, political philosopher at Durham University

Why this matters:

As climate change intensifies, more communities will face displacement. Without clear policies, wealthier areas might receive more protection, leaving poorer, more vulnerable populations to bear the brunt of climate risks.