Department or Program
Environmental Studies
Abstract
As climate change intensifies, cities like Buffalo, New York, are being positioned as climate havens due to their geographical advantages and potential to attract climate migrants fleeing regions impacted by extreme weather events. This thesis analyzes Buffalo’s status as a climate haven from the position of the city’s infrastructural capacity, geographic location, and potential for economic revitalization. While an increase in migration to Buffalo could bring economic benefits to the city, long-standing conflicts of segregation, unjust urban planning, and disinvestment in the downtown region complicate the climate haven narrative. Through a review and analysis of the Buffalo Niagara Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) in conjunction with theoretical frameworks of politicization of technology, political ecology, (PE), urban political ecology (UPE), and Environmental Justice (EJ), this thesis argues that Buffalo’s ability to serve established residents and migrants equitably will be limited if pre-existing inequalities are not addressed. Ultimately, the research posits that climate haven cities must balance the needs of incoming climate migrants with those of established residents and with current socio-economic realities to ensure just and sustainable climate adaptation.
Level of Access
Restricted: Campus/Bates Community Only Access
First Advisor
Sonja Pieck
Date of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Marriott, Abigail B. “Evaluating Buffalo, New York, as a Climate Haven: Expanding the Analysis Beyond Geography and Economy.” Bates College. December 15, 2024.
Number of Pages
58
