Presidential candidate Andrew Yang brought up his climate change relocation plan at the most recent Democratic debates. When asked a question on climate change, the entrepreneur discussed his “Move to Higher Ground” plan.

Each candidate was asked “Many scientists say that even if the US reduced its carbon footprint to zero by the year 2050, the damage will have been done. Climate change will have made certain places in the US unlivable. Knowing this, would you support a new federal program to subsidize the relocation of American families and businesses away from places like Miami or Paradise, California, perhaps, Davenport, Iowa, because we know these places will be hit time and time again?”


Yang answered, “First, we should obviously be paying to relocate Americans away from places that are hit by climate change. We’re already doing it. Part of my plans literally call for moving people to higher ground because that’s what we need to do.” His “Move to Higher Ground Plan,” provides $40 billion to relocate people in areas affected by the changing climate.

Candidates Warren and Sanders both avoided the question, with Warren saying, “If we don’t attach the corruption head on then we aren’t going to be able to make the changes we need to make like [climate change].” Sanders’ answer was “It is not an issue of relocating people in towns. The issue now is whether we save the planet for our children and our grandchildren.”

Areas in Louisiana have already had citizens relocate. The government has helped through FEMA provisions. As 40% of the United States lives in coastal areas, this is a very real question for the next President to address.

Read more about politics and climate change, including Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement, COP25 and how young republicans are pushing for climate action and our coverage on why climate change is a top priority for young voters, the Green New Deal, and have a quick look at the 2020 democratic presidential candidates’ current plans on climate change and watch them discuss their views in Weather Channel’s Race to Save The Planet Forum.


The United Nation recently released a report warning countries about the dangers of climate change. They also urged people to reduce their dairy and meat intake by opting for more plant-based foods as one way to take climate action. We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, plant-based, vegan and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

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