DESIGN BRIEF

INTRODUCTION

 

While it’s true, no place is immune to the effects of climate change, however, some places will fare better than others. The effects of climate change are indeed very real and most recent studies indicate the trajectory of these effects will continue to escalate within the next few decades. Rising temperatures and sea levels paired with access to clean water - just to name a few - have begun to prompt Americans to relocate to parts of the country where the impact of climate change is low. 

 

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

 

The Climate Migration app will be an essential element in aiding the relocation efforts for those who have begun to become displaced, or will be displaced by climate change. Taking statistics into account for vital predictions for temperatures, accessibility to clean water, sustainable agriculture, air quality and job equality will be some of the main focuses on determining where these safer options are. 

 

TARGET AUDIENCE

 

The Climate Migration app will be targeted to those who are currently experiencing the effects of climate change or those projected to experience within the next several years. With over 39 million residents, the State of California is a major example of the overwhelming struggles residents will come to face.

 

According to the State of California, “Approximately 85% of California’s population live and work in coastal counties. The sea level along California's coasts has risen nearly 8 inches in the past century and is projected to rise by as much as 20 to 55 inches by the end of the century. A 55-inch sea level rise could put nearly half a million people at risk of flooding by 2100, and threaten $100 billion in property and infrastructure, including roadways, buildings, hazardous waste sites, power plants, and parks and tourist destinations. Coastal erosion could have a significant impact on California's ocean-dependent economy, which is estimated to be $46 billion per year.”

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COMPETITIVE AUDIT

 

Currently I have not been able to locate an existing app based solution to address climate migration. However there is an abundance of information on the internet.

 

Climate Check generates overall risk information based upon the potential for drought, storm, heat, fire and flood for a specific address or location inputted by the user. 

 

Pros: 

Offers users projections based on a specific location offering information tailored to the user specifically. 

 

Cons:

Does not offer users other vital information such as projections for the job equality and quality of life which should be an influencing factor.

 

ArcGIS uses data-driven styles and analytical tools to produce interactive maps indicating the top places in the US to live including populations, the job market and an overall quality of life. 

 

Pros: 

Offers users statistics including desirability, value, job market, quality of life, net migration, population, median age and median home prices including projections through 2070.

 

Cons:

Air quality is one of the most important factors when considering relocation and data for this vital piece is not included.

 

Grist provides users with data broken down by each region across the states, including details on temperature, agriculture and weather just to name a few.

 

Pros: 

Data is broken down by specific regions.

 

Cons:

Information is presented as a summary and readability would be improved if it were presented by region in a data table or infographic.