Investigating the role of urban greenspaces in climate migration decisions

Nearly half of U.S. cities are projected to decline in population by 2100, but the factors shaping migration decisions are poorly understood. This project explores how the physical environment, particularly urban greenspace, contributes to the development of a “sense of place” and impacts migration decisions. By surveying a randomized sample of residents in U.S. cities, the researchers will investigate the role that greenspaces play in deepening place connections and reducing migration likelihood. The findings aim to inform urban planning strategies that use greening interventions to strengthen community resilience and reduce population flight.

Above: View of Benjakiti Park in the evening Bangkok , Thailand. Image credit: tonbluesman / iStock