THE FUTURE OF PARKS IN A WARMING AND DENSIFYING MIDWEST
Responding to Population Influx and Climatic Instability

Billion-dollar weather and climate disasters have increased significantly over the past four decades, with recent years among the highest on record. The number of days above 95°F is projected to increase acress much of the country by mid-century. Infrastructure systems, water resources, and public health networks face increasingly vulnerabiliy under the projected climate conditions. Regions with lower climate risk, including parts of the Midwest, are expected to experience inward migration pressures. Population redistribution linked to climate stress will intensify housing, infrastructure, and land-use demands in receiving regions.

Mackenzie Stewart & Celeste Leonard