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Preparing the Appalachian Region of the United States for a Large-Scale Inflow of Climate Migrants

¹ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
² Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
³ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
⁴ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
⁵ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
⁶ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
⁷ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
⁸ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA
⁹ Department of Business and Economics, University of Virginia, Wise, USA

Journal of Environmental Protection·Volume 17 (2026)·Pages 800–822·Published 1 August 2026·DOI10.4236/jep.2026.178041

Abstract

As climate change damage increases across the United States, the Appalachian Mountain Region may become the primary area available for in-migration by endangered American residents. However, the culture of this region differs from that of the areas in which many endangered residents now live. The present research examines these cultural differences and identifies important social norms and personal values that will likely impact the success or failure of relocation for endangered Americans to the Appalachian Region.

KeywordsUS Climate Change MigrationAppalachian RegionCultural Adaptation

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Preparing the Appalachian Region of the United States for a Large-Scale Inflow of Climate Migrants

Abstract

References (42)