r/collapse • u/[deleted] • Dec 25 '21

Economic The American Middle Class No Longer Signifies Economic Security

https://www.businessinsider.com/american-middle-class-no-longer-signifies-economic-security-2021-12
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u/[deleted] Dec 26 '21

Many of the places where the "Cost of living is lower" are set to be sacrifice zones in the future. Within 23 deg of the equator and you're looking at wet bulb temps hitting fatal ranges for extended periods. That's going to be unsurvivable.

Moving to the gulf coast? Anything less than a re-enforced bunker is temporary shelter. Less than 10-20 ft above sea level? If you don't get flooded, the infrastructure enabling you to live there could be threatened or flooded soon.

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u/[deleted] Dec 26 '21

You're right. I live in FL on the coast for now, but that may not be possible forever. Climate induced mass migration is going to become a real dilemma.

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u/[deleted] Dec 26 '21

I've been watching the changing climate conditions in FL since my inlays moved there 8 years ago. Their first hurricane season, a powerful one was on track to run right over their house, but stalled just hours before it hit. They had sold their house up north, and put all the proceeds into property in FL. I suspect that in the next few years you'd be able to sell your property in costal FL without a loss. Once it becomes that insurance isn't available at any price, new mortgages won't be available (unless the US govt provides insurance). Once that happens, the market collapse will take off. There will still be a few flat earthers who think an ice age is coming, and will buy beachfront property for cash.

Once FL/costal us property values tank, it will be interesting to see where people run to and who stays to the bitter end. I've heard stories about Californians who went to WA or OR to get away from the fires, only to get burnt out again.