Rising sea levels are putting Miami at risk, experts have warned. Increased flooding threatens the city, primarily prompted by higher rainfall levels. In June, Miami officials declared a state of emergency as heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the city, and in August, Hurricane Debby arrived, causing coastal and inland flooding. While this weather is not unusual for the Sunshine State, scientists – and insurance companies – say they are increasing.
Additionally, wet weather is reaching further inland than before, leaving households with high costs to meet because many are not insured against flooding.
Some experts describe Miami as “ground zero” for climate change-related extreme weather. Harold Wanless, a professor of geography and sustainable development at the University of Miami, estimates that 60% of Miami-Dade County will be under water by 2060. Nevertheless, it remains one of America’s most popular cities, and large numbers continue to move there.
According to a report last year, more people moved to the South Florida city than any other in America except Houston. Figures show that 55.7% of cross-country movers relocated to the Texan city, with Miami just behind on 55.2%. Some of those who relocated to Florida admitted that changing weather concerned them but considered the risk worth taking. “We’ll see what happens,” one man said.
Media research in January found that 64% of Americans who moved from one part of the country to another in 2022 did so because of climate change or seeking better weather. A third said they considered moving in 2024 for the same reason.
Some people reported that they moved from the Pacific coast to the Sunshine State to escape from increasing wildfires. California, for instance, experienced 4,946 wildfires between January and August this year, destroying 805,096 acres of land. In July, the Golden State saw the largest-ever fire in America, covering an area larger than Los Angeles. More than 2,000 people were evacuated from their homes, and thousands of firefighters were deployed, but no fatalities were reported.
Officials said the number of fires in California in 2024 was five times higher than any previous year.
