Asheville: A Potential Safe Haven Amid Climate Crisis

In recent years, Asheville, North Carolina, has garnered attention as a potential safe haven for climate refugees, offering refuge from the harsh impacts of climate change. This picturesque city of around 95,000 residents has been praised for its temperate mountain weather and distance from the coast, making it less susceptible to extreme heat and wildfires. Real estate researchers have identified Asheville as a place where individuals seeking safety from the climate crisis could potentially find solace.

Climate Resilience Amidst Challenges

• Dave Reidmiller, director of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Climate Center, emphasizes that certain locations are better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change than others.
• However, recent fatal floods and landslides in Buncombe County, which encompasses Asheville, following Hurricane Helene’s path, serve as a stark reminder that no place is entirely untouched by climate change.

  

  Impact of Extreme Weather Events
  

• Human-caused climate change has led to an increase in rainfall, exacerbating the severity and frequency of rainfall events across the country.
• Experts warn that as global heating intensifies, the displacement of individuals due to extreme weather events will become more prevalent on a global scale.
  

  Challenging the Notion of Climate Havens
  

• Antonia Sebastian, a professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, challenges the concept of climate havens, emphasizing that climate change will impact communities worldwide in varying degrees.
• Climate experts caution against the use of the term "climate haven," citing its lack of widespread acceptance and clear criteria.

  

  Building Resilience and Preparedness
  

• Despite its reputation as a climate-resilient city, Asheville is taking proactive steps to develop a resilience assessment to address the growing threats posed by climate-related hazards.
• Experts stress the importance of investing in climate change mitigation and preparedness to mitigate the escalating costs of climate-related damages and human casualties.

  In conclusion, the tragic events following Hurricane Helene in Asheville underscore the urgent need for communities to prioritize climate readiness and resilience. As we confront the escalating impact of climate change, investing in sustainable infrastructure and adaptive measures is crucial to safeguarding our communities and building a more resilient future.

  ABC News’ Julia Jacobo contributed to this report.

  Originally published on abcnews.go.com