Addressing Climate-Forced Displacement in the United States: A Just and Equitable Response

Watch Zoom Recording: Centering Equity & Justice in Addressing Climate-Forced Displacement in the United States and Abroad [en ingles y español]

Droughts killing crops, wildfires blazing out of control each year, floods gaining in strength, permafrost melting beneath Arctic villages…the message of all these phenomena is clear: The climate crisis is already upon us.

And it is ravaging communities nationwide, disproportionately Indigenous Peoples and communities of color, who are losing their homes and livelihoods, and who are further disenfranchised through inadequate and inequitable public policy responses.

Within 100 days of President Biden’s term, his administration has made a monumental policy shift to address climate migration. However, the issue is still framed as a matter of international migration and national security. In truth, the vast majority of climate-forced displacement takes place within borders, and the United States is no exception. Our politicians have to take this threat seriously and follow the lead of communities already confronting these challenges on the ground.

Our coalition of community leaders, legal advocates, and researchers has developed a set of recommendations to guide policymakers. This document shows a path forward to address the already-present reality of climate-forced displacement, centering the leadership and self-determination of communities who are working each day to address the problem. Follow the links below to read the brief and learn more.

Summary and topline recommendations

One-pager

Full policy brief

Solution 1: Increase funding to protect frontline communities

Solution 2: Make FEMA more equitable

Solution 3: Grant federal funds directly to frontline communities

Solution 4: Establish a just response for adaptation and relocation

Solution 5: Create a human rights governance framework

In addition to this policy recommendation to address climate-forced displacement in the United States, you can learn more about recommendations to the Biden administration to address climate, migration, and displacement abroad here.

Image Credit: UUSC

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