Climate refugees

Another natural disaster is predicted to impact the United States. As with the Dust Bowl, refugees will flood different parts of the country.

The new disaster will be slower in coming and last longer than the Depression era dislocation of people.

And, it has already started.

The Guardian newspaper in England reports that Americans are already reacting to the new threat.

The paper calls those trying to escape it “climate refugees.” Many more, it says, will follow in the coming years as the climate continues to warm.

Climate refugees will grow in number, seeking safety from rising ocean levels, powerful storms, droughts, crop failures and overheated temperatures.

It is not a pleasant picture. Worldwide it is predicted that as many as 300 million people will be climate refugees by 2050.

The article suggests only three areas in the United States will see the lightest impacts. One is the Pacific Northwest. The others are the Great Lakes region and New England. Pressures will supposedly increase from South America as many will seek northern climes.

These predictions are unfolding now. By the end of the century this country will be different. According to these predictions, populations will have dramatically shifted, and some of south Florida, Alaska and pockets on the east and west coasts will be no more. Even now, plans for moving communities in the most vulnerable areas are in the works. One such move is underway now, and the anticipated six foot rise in sea level has barely begun.

If these predictions are anywhere close to accurate, more needs to be done to at least slow climate change. The rest of the world recognizes this. Although American private enterprise is addressing the change, the American officialdom is not.

Of course, that could change when climate refugees clog Glacier National Park.