Drivers of slow-onset displacement in the coastal mid-atlantic region and preferences for receiving locations

Abstract

Coastal areas in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region are experiencing profound changes due to sea level rise and more frequent and severe storm surges. Many coastal residents face the risk of displacement from areas of repetitive flooding due to direct flood impacts or indirect outcomes such as reduced accessibility to workplaces, schools, and services. Displacement of residents from such places can further exacerbate their adaptation and coping capacity, leading to the deterioration of socioeconomic conditions. Even though there are indications that people are already spontaneously moving out due to coastal flooding, it is unclear which concerns are driving this decision-making and how they can be utilized to improve coastal resilience and long-term sustainability. This chapter explores attitudes towards relocation among rural and urban coastal residents in flood-prone coastal locations in the Mid-Atlantic. It compares the drivers of willingness to consider permanent relocation in response to coastal flooding from five household surveys. The results show that residents in rural and urban settings are aware of their flood risk and are willing to consider moving elsewhere primarily due to concerns about future flood exposure, related financial considerations, and flood impacts on the overall quality of life.