TITLE:
Preparing the Appalachian Region of the United States for a Large-Scale Inflow of Climate Migrants
AUTHORS:
Elizabeth C. Hirschman, Filip Brkic, Brandon Brown, Jalin Edwards, Trinidy Estep, Kenzy Farw, Taryn Moreno, Ian Mullins, Samantha Sobolewski
KEYWORDS:
US Climate Change Migration, Appalachian Region, Cultural Adaptation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.17 No.8,
July
31,
2026
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.