News Flash: Duluth, Minnesota- A Potential Climate Refuge
By Sanjoli Gupta
As climate change begins to ravage the world, causing extreme weather events and making previous housing unlivable, people are coming up with innovative solutions to the increasing issue of migration. Even in the U.S., certain areas are becoming unlivable, prompting residents to look for climate change-resistant housing. Duluth, Minnesota is becoming a refuge from climate change prompting people all over the U.S. to move there for its climate-friendly nature.
Duluth's moderate climate, access to fresh water, and potential to grow into a larger city is what makes it so attractive. Despite Duluth’s difficult winters, its lack of flooding and droughts make it a perfect new option for those escaping the clutches of climate change. (Kraker 2021) It is, however, important to realize that no city is 100% climate safe and that the impacts are going to be felt everywhere- just differently. In the case of this Minnesota town, the already frigid weather means that climate change will create a climate that is still hospitable despite large increases of carbon dioxide. (Pierre-louis 2019)
However, it is important to recognize that even self-proclaimed climate refuge’s have their issues. With possible increased climate migration to the area, Duluth could face overpopulation, soaring prices, discrimination of minorities, gentrification pushing out low income groups and the collapse of infrastructure. Climate migration has a large impact on all places, regardless of the extent of the impact of climate change on them.
Photo from: Explore Minnesota
Works Cited:
Kraker, Dan. “Duluth Is Attracting 'Climate Migrants.' Here's Why.” MPR News, MPR News, 5 Oct. 2021, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/10/04/climateproof-duluth-why-the-city-is-attracting-climate-migrants.
Pierre-louis, Kendra. “Want to Escape Global Warming? These Cities Promise Cool Relief.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 15 Apr. 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/15/climate/climate-migration-duluth.html.
