Welcoming in an Era of Climate Change:
A Tool to Get Started

How Civic Leaders Can Welcome Climate-Displaced Newcomers and Meet the Moment in Communities Across the U.S.

In 2022, internal displacement triggered by climate impacts hit an all-time high of 32.6 million globally, including just over 3 million U.S. residents. This website focuses on practical, tactical actions that you and your local government can take to respond to and plan for climate migration.

As climate-driven human migration is projected to increase over the coming decades, now is the time to prepare your community to receive newcomers too.

Actionable Insights for Welcoming Climate-Displaced Newcomers

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Case Studies

These places bring to life how we can meet our changing reality with capacity and compassion.

  • A statue of a historical figure in front of a brick building with white shutters and a decorative entrance. A black post clock with 'Lancaster, PA' and the year 1729 is on the left. Trees with autumn foliage are visible, and an American flag is partly seen on the right.

    Lancaster, PA

    The community of Lancaster, Pennsylvania  – population 60,000 – effectively mobilized resources and community support to welcome hundreds of Puerto Rican newcomers displaced by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

    Read Case Study ➜
  • Urban street with two elevated highways converging overhead, featuring graffiti on pillars, cars on road below, and traffic signs. Trees and buildings in background.

    Dallas, TX

    In Dallas, where both temperatures and migration are on the rise, the local government is prioritizing inclusion as it lays plans for sustainable population growth.

    Read Case Study ➜
  • Empty bench overlooking a body of water at sunset with trees on the left and rocks in the water.

    San Mateo County, CA

    California’s multicultural San Mateo County grappled with recent wildfires and flooding, and community leaders honed innovative multilingual emergency response strategies to support newcomers and long-term residents alike.

    Read Case Study ➜

Ready to Take Action?

As is the case with current efforts to curb carbon emissions and prepare your community for climate disasters and emergencies, civic leaders like you realize that today’s efforts determine tomorrow’s realities – and planning for climate migration is no different. 

By proactively working to understand the challenges and opportunities of demographic shifts, intentionally developing a network of committed partners and collaborators, and bolstering your locality’s physical infrastructure and social connections, your community will be prepared to not just navigate change, but also to build a more cohesive, democratic, and adaptive future.

How can you help?