The intersection of climate migration and urban emergency planning: policy gaps and future directions

Climate migration is an increasingly pressing issue in the United States, as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and wildfires displace communities. While migration due to climate-related disasters is not new, urban centers are now facing growing challenges in accommodating displaced populations. This paper examines how U.S. cities are integrating climate displacement into emergency response and urban planning. A focused review of policies and case studies reveals significant gaps in preparedness, highlighting a lack of standardized frameworks and coordination between emergency management and urban planning authorities. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive policies that address housing, infrastructure, and social services for climate migrants. Implications for policymakers and emergency managers include adopting proactive, equity-focused strategies to ensure resilience and sustainability in urban settings. This study produced a set of three policy recommendations while contributing to ongoing discourse on climate adaptation and disaster preparedness by offering insights into improving municipal responses to climate-induced displacement.