Frey, W. (2023, January 04). New Census estimates show a tepid rise in U.S. population growth, buoyed by immigration. Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.brookings.edu/research/new-census-estimates-show-a-tepid-rise-in-u-s-population-growth-buoyed-by-immigration/
Through the year 2021, an increase in mortality rates and a decrease in birth rates have resulted in a decline in population at the time; and though migration only played a small role in the population decrease, it is the leading cause of the recent population incline in 2022. In contrast to the previous year’s low in net immigration, 26 states and the District of Colombia either experienced an increase in population or reduced their losses, while 18 states experienced a decline. Additionally, 24 states experienced death rates higher than their birth rates as a result of the pandemic, a point that served as an indication that certain demographics were more highly impacted than others. International immigration was not the only form of immigration impacting the states, domestic immigration also experienced a spike during 2022, as the southern states in particular experienced large amounts of migration numbers from areas in the US. This pattern has been seen before in history, repeating both during WWII and the Great Depression; however, in recent years this can be observed as well, while immigration numbers came to a halt during Trump’s presidency as well as fertility rates dropped during the 2007-2009 recession.
This article states that states such as Texas and Florida experienced internal migration from the US, meaning their populations increased, but only through migration occurring within the United States rather than internationally. This could pose a problem in the US’s role in climate change, as far as political decisions go. These two states, more often than not, vote republican. This could become extremely detrimental in terms of putting into action any movements against climate change. I find that this, although not immediately related to the environment, poses a threat to it all in all.
This was really interesting to see how the population has fluctuated throughout different areas in the world. Hopefully, migration within the US does not become a problem, but I agree that there is potential. I wonder how immigration affects the environment in the long term?
I find it very interesting that people are migrating to Texas and Florida and that does make me wonder how that will affect the climate change and environmental future because of votes. I do wonder about the republican votes, if more people are migrating from other states that maybe they republican vote will be less dominant in states that are republican dominant. I am interested what will happen in the future regarding the political parties and environmental votes.