In the next 25 years, 2.5 million Americans may have to migrate as a result of climate-induced sea level rise. Louisiana is one of the states most at risk- it could lose over 9000 square miles in that time frame.

In 2016, the state received 50 million dollars in grant money to relocate the residents of Isle de Jean Charles in the first instance of federal funded climate migration. The Isle had been battered by several hurricanes and by rising sea levels, making residence difficult. It was the subject of 2025 documentary “Lowland Kids“, showcasing the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribal members living on the island.

However, the chosen families were moved to a new community that may be inundated by sea level rise in the future (under current carbon emission projections). The houses were built quickly, and there are several problems with house appliances and foundations. This project shows it is vital to ensure new settlement locations are picked for longevity and communities being uprooted are given the resources they need to succeed.