Climate Change and Extreme Weather Could Cause More People to Move to the Midwest

Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 -- 10:00 AM

(By Jonah Beleckis, Wisconsin Public Radio) As scientists say climate change will make extreme weather become more severe or frequent, some futurists predict that could also drive more migration to Wisconsin and other Midwest states.

The recent devastation brought about by Hurricane Ian displaced tens of thousands, marking just one example of how climate change could prompt people to relocate.

Parag Khanna is the CEO of Climate Alpha and author of the book, "Move: Where People Are Going for a Better Future." Climate Alpha uses modeling and artificial intelligence to find where investing in real estate through 2040 makes sense amid climate change.

Appearing Friday on Wisconsin Public Radio’s "The Morning Show," Khanna said Americans should be encouraged and incentivized to relocate to places that are more climate resilient.

He said assets in vulnerable locations will depreciate over time as people move away, but homes in these spots will nonetheless require more investment, both public and private.

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