As climate change exacerbates wildfires in the West, such as the ongoing Los Angeles fires, it may have an impact on Michigan.
University of Michigan According to Jonathan Overpeck, Dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability, as the west becomes drier and hotter, climate refugees seek to relocate east.
He says Michigan is particularly appealing to climate refugees because the Great Lakes provide insulation, making the state less vulnerable to wildfires. He adds that it’s a two-edged sword.
“One hand, the economy is dying for more talent. The flip side of that, though, is a lot of people will want to move from the west. So, we will have to think: ‘What do we want Michigan to look like a couple decades from now?’”
Michigan is not immune to climate change-related issues. Overpeck says there is growing concern about frequent flooding caused by heavy summer rains.
He adds that Michigan can handle future changes, but only if the state plays its cards properly.
