News and Media
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Professor Jesse M. Keenan discusses his new book North: The Future of Post-Climate America at Stillpoint on Martha’s Vineyard. Following the book talk, Commissioner Ben Robinson and climate change coordinator Sakiko Isomichi of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission led an audience-driven dialogue on future climate challenges and opportunities facing the island.
The state of planning, policy, and justice for human mobility in national adaptation plans
In a recently published study, Tulane University’s Jesse M. Keenan and co-authors analyzed 57 national adaptation plans (NAPs) to assess how countries are preparing for climate-driven human migration. While most plans acknowledge the issue, few offer concrete strategies. “We found that many governments are referencing human mobility, but they’re not yet grappling with the real policy trade-offs,” said Keenan, who led the research.
The study identifies overlooked conflicts—such as land use, property rights, and institutional capacity—that could undermine equitable climate adaptation. “Helping people move is only part of the challenge,” Keenan explained. “We also have to consider who gets left behind, and how we support both sending and receiving communities.”
Keenan’s work emphasizes the need for justice-centered planning that includes vulnerable populations and ecosystems. As climate impacts accelerate, the study calls for more integrated, forward-looking policies that reflect the complex realities of human mobility in a warming world.
CCU In the news
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August 29, 2025
US Disaster Agency FEMA was Breaking Long Before Trump
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Bloomberg.
Bloomberg
June 8, 2025
A leafy capital known for scorching summers faces 'mass abandonment' over new deadly flooding threat
Professor Jesse M. Keenan discusses how climate-driven flood risks and soaring insurance costs could trigger mass exodus from Sacramento’s vulnerable neighborhoods.
Daily Mail
June 2, 2025
Could this major California city see mass ‘abandonment’? New risk model predicts just that
A new risk model warns that Sacramento faces potential mass departure due to climate change, rising living costs, strained infrastructure, and safety concerns, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.
San Francisco Chronicle
May 30, 2025
Banks are avoiding mortgage loans in California's wildfire zones, study says
Professor Jesse M. Keenan speaks to The Washington Post.
Washington Post
May 21, 2025
Looming SEPTA Cuts Could Increase Climate Pollution In the Philly Area
Professor Jesse M. Keenan discusses the potential effects of SEPTA's impending service cuts in Whyy News.
Whyy News
May 19, 2025
Florida's Housing Market Softens as Climate-Related Costs Mount
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Bloomberg.
Bloomberg
May 8, 2025
U.S. Government to Stop Tracking the Costs of Extreme Weather
Professor Jesse M. Keenan warns of the consequences of NOAA's decision to discontinue tracking the cost of the country’s most expensive disasters in the New York Times.
New York Times
May 4, 2025
The Rise of Millennial Retirement Panic
Professor Jesse M. Keenan warns that individual financial planning offers limited protection against the systemic economic disruptions posed by climate change, emphasizing the need for broader structural solutions in in Business Insider.
Business Insider
May 1, 2025
Climate author on what his team's government dismissal could mean for the planet
ABC News’ Linsey Davis spoke with climate assessment author and Tulane University Professor Jesse Keenan after his team was dismissed by President Donald Trump's administration.
ABC News
April 30, 2025
Major Climate Report in Limbo After Trump Admin. Fired it's Authors
Professor Jesse M. Keenan interviewed by CNN saying the loss of climate report will reduce preparation for climate change.
CNN
April 30, 2025
Philly’s carbon emissions have dropped. Here’s what experts say should be next
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in WHYY News Climate Desk saying Philadelphia must go beyond energy efficiency and grid upgrades to meet its carbon neutrality goals.
Whyy News
April 29, 2025
Trump Administration Dismisses Researchers Working on Climate-Change Report
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Wall Street Journal.
Wall Street Journal
April 28, 2025
All Authors Working on Flagship U.S. Climate Report Are Dismissed
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New York Times on the "release" of researchers compiling the federal government’s flagship report on how global warming is affecting the country.
New York Times
April 9, 2025
Trump Administration Cuts Funding and Staff for Flagship Climate Report
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New York Times on the growing jeopardy facing the National Climate Assessment after funding and staffing cuts by the Trump administration.
New York Times
April 7, 2025
Financially strapped states see funds for disaster resilience projects at risk
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in S&P Global Market Intelligence on federal funding cuts and their impact on local climate resilience.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
April 7, 2025
LA fires victims fear 'predatory' developers could remake their neighbourhood for the worse
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in ABC News on California's wildfire response and the focus on building upgrades over buffer zones and land use reforms.
ABC News
April 7, 2025
Florida vs. California: How Two States Are Facing the Insurance Crisis
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Newsweek on Florida and California's management of insurance risk.
Newsweek
March 31, 2025
What FEMA's Demise Could Mean for Flood Insurance
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Bloomberg on NFIP, FEMA, and mortgages.
Bloomberg
March 11, 2025
A California City Is Pioneering Urban-Scale Insurance for Climate Disasters
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Insurance Journal on the role of local governments in risk reduction for climate crisis.
Insurance Journal
March 11, 2025
A Bay Area City Pioneers Urban Scale Insurance for Climate Sisasters
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Bloomberg News.
Bloomberg News
March 3, 2025
Why These States are Helping People Pay for Stronger Roofs
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Washington Post on the benefit of grant programs like that of Alabama’s roof replacement program.
Washington Post
February 26, 2025
There Were Never Any Climate Havens: Floods in the Midwest, Hurricanes in Appalachia
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Guardian on "sending zones" and "recieving zones" as cities experiencing climate crisis.
The Guardian
February 24, 2025
How Can I Lower My Climate Risk When Buying a House?
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New York Times on climate shocks and climate stresses as categories of risk when considering purchasing a home.
New York Times
The IPCC meets amid Trump’s climate attacks. What to watch for.
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in E & E News for his contributions to the IPCC’s sixth assessment report.
February 24, 2025
E & E News
The Climate Policies That Trump Might Not Destroy
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New Republic on the role of federal government in climate action.
February 19, 2025
The New Republic
Buying a home in California? Here’s how seriously you should take Zillow’s climate risk data
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in San Francisco Chronicle.
February 16, 2025
San Francisco Chronicle
‘Altadena is not for sale’: LA residents fear being forced out by wildfire rebuild
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Guardian on the economic challenges of rebuilding after climate disaster.
February 14, 2025
The Guardian
What Happens When Your “Climate Haven” Is No Longer Safe?
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Nonprofit Quarterly on climate resilence and "climate-proof" cities.
February 13, 2025
Nonprofit Quarterly
The L.A. Fires Were the First Tragedy. The Second Is Just Beginning.
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New Republic on buffer zones as a mitigation technique to the California wildfires.
February 12, 2025
The New Republic
Tulane Prize for Climate Change Curriculum
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Archined on bridging teaching and research in climate change through the CCU.
January 30, 2024
Archined
Trump Questions Need for FEMA and Says States Should 'Take Care of Disasters'
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in PBS News Hour on the role of federal government in climate disaster relief.
January 24, 2025
PBS News Hour
Even before the LA fires, Californians fled for 'climate havens'
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in BBC about his research on "recieving zones".
January 23, 2025
BBC
Extreme weather events like the LA wildfires are creating climate refugees. Where do they go?
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in the CNN.
January 21, 2025
Trump has promised a new Hollywood ‘golden age’ – but Tinseltown is in trouble
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Telegraph.
January 18, 2025
The Telegraph
‘It’s going to be rough’: what Trump’s response to LA fires portends for future climate disasters
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Guardian about climate adaptation and the focus needed on preventing the further sprawl of housing into areas that have long had wildfires.
January 17, 2025
The Guardian
What Blue States Can Do If Trump and Republicans Withhold Disaster Aid
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Rolling Stone about the role of federal government in climate disaster relief.
January 14, 2025
Rolling Stone
Wealth helps only to a limited extent when disaster strikes
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Spiegel Science about climate migration.
January 12, 2025
Spiegel Science
L.A. Fires Show Limits of America’s Efforts to Cope With Climate Change
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New York Times about climate adaptation.
January 10, 2025
New York Times
Climate Fiscal Risks: The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s Recommendations to Congress
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in the America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast about the intersection of climate resilience, fiscal accountability, and federal oversight.
January 10, 2025
America Adapts
Hollywood mansions ‘uninsurable’ as wildfires leave $50bn trail of destruction
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Telegraph.
January 9, 2025
The Telegraph
Business on the Edge: Building Industry Resilience to Climate Hazards
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited as an Academia/Expert Contributor in the World Economic Forum Insight Report of December 2024.
December 11, 2024
World Economic Forum
Mortgage Regulators Are Shrugging Off Climate Risk. It Could Cost Taxpayers Billions.
CCU resarch is cited in The New York Times.
December 7, 2024
New York Times
Tulane launches new Center on Climate Change and Urbanism
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Architect's Newspaper on bridging teaching and research in climate change through the CCU.
December 5, 2024
The Architect's Newspaper
Why Do We Keep Developing in Climate Disaster Zones?
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Dwell on development in the Sun Belt region.
November 15, 2024
Dwell
Tulane University Unveils New Center on Climate Change and Urbanism
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in New Orleans City Business.
November 12, 2024
New Orleans City Business
People moved to Asheville to escape extreme weather. They forgot its tragic history.
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in CNN on climate migration and the risk of moving to "climate-safe" cities.
October 23, 2024
CNN
How Climate Disasters Are Making Mobile Homes a Huge Risk
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New York Times on mobile home parks and property development due to natural disasters.
October 14, 2024
New York Times
Bridging the Climate Change Research and Education Gap
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Buildings & Cities on the disconnect between climate change research and education in the built environment in the U.S. and how the Syllabus BAnk and the Tulane Prize in Climate Change Curriculum in the Built Environment seeks to remedy this.
October 12, 2024
Buildings & Cities
Zillow will now show climate risk data on home listings
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Washington Post on climate risk modeling.
October 10, 2024
Washington Post
Hurricane Helene exposes FEMA assistance gap in Appalachian areas
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in CNN on Hurricane Helene and climate havens.
October 4, 2024
CNN
‘Nowhere is safe’: shattered Asheville shows stunning reach of climate crisis
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Guardian on climate migration.
October 1, 2024
Guardian
Homebuyers Drawn to Ashville are Hit by Horror of Hurricane Helene
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Bloomberg News.
October 1, 2024
Bloomberg
Before the floods, Asheville was called a ‘climate haven.’ Is anywhere safe?
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Washington Post on the "sending zones" and "recieving zones" of climate migration.
October 1, 2024
Washington Post
‘Climate Havens’ Don’t Exist
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New York Times on the "recieving zones" of climate migration.
October 1, 2024
New York Times
These Ultra-Luxe Homes Are in Climate Danger Zones—Why Do People Continue Buying Them?
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Architectural Digest on climate migration.
August 15, 2024
Architectural Digest
How Economic Damage Will Drive Climate Migration
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Bloomberg News on climate migration and declining home values.
July 30, 2024
Bloomberg
World’s top climate scientists expect global heating to blast past 1.5C target
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Guardian on global heating.
May 8, 2024
Guardian
Florida's Home Insurance Industry May Be Worse Than Anyone Realizes
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in Bloomberg News.
April 4, 2024
Bloomberg
Why Americans pay so much more than anyone else for weather disasters
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The Washington Post on disasters and economic growth.
March 16, 2024
Washington Post
U.S. Hit by Record Number of High-Cost Disasters in 2023
Professor Jesse M. Keenan cited in The New York Times on the financial argument for increased federal funding to address disasters.
January 10, 2024
New York Times
March 31, 2025
Center on Climate Change and Urbanism awards inaugural Tulane Prize for Climate Change Curriculum in the Built Environment
Tulane University’s Center on Climate Change and Urbanism within the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment, has awarded top honors to three faculty members from two institutions for their significant achievements in teaching climate change.
October 10, 2024
Liz Camuti Publishes Research Paper on Climate Adaptation, Energy Transition, and Environmental Justice
Professor Liz Camuti's interdisciplinary design studio confronts the complex intersections of climate adaptation, energy infrastructure, and environmental justice along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Through speculative design and systems thinking, students explored transformative futures for communities facing ecological change, emphasizing collective resilience and equity over conventional climate solutions.
September 17, 2024
Adam Marcus presents clay 3D printing research at Earth USA conference in Santa Fe
Adam Marcus recently presented work from his spring 2024 "Ecological Tectonics" research studio at the 2024 Earth USA Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The paper, "3D Printed Architectural Facades for Climate Adaptation," discusses how modular 3D printed ceramic systems can engage with broader ecological systems, such as stormwater management and habitat creation.
August 29, 2024
Small Center summer fellows explore impacts of industrial systems on Gulf Coast region
Exploring the impacts of industrial development and the future of the Gulf Coast region was the focus of six students’ work this summer, as Public Interest Design Fellows through TuSA's Small Center for Collaborative Design.
August 17, 2024
Liz Camuti and Adam Marcus present at Architectural Ceramics Assemblies Workshop
TuSA faculty Adam Marcus and Liz Camuti recently participated and presented at the Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW), an annual symposium organized by the University at Buffalo, Carnegie Mellon University, and Boston Valley Terracotta. Marcus and Camuti joined colleague Tsz Yan Ng, faculty at University of Michigan's Taubman College, to present 3d printed ceramic prototypes from their project Hygroscopic Envelope, which is studying the capacity for 3d printed ceramic facade modules to retain and detain stormwater.
May 13, 2024
$2.9 million gift to start new center
Tulane School of Architecture received an anonymous $2.9million gift to establish a Center on Climate Change and Urbanism, a new research unit that will complement the school’s existing work in New Orleans and around the world.
NOVEMBER 20, 2023
Jesse Keenan guides White House on built environment in key national climate report
Climate adaptation scholar Jesse M. Keenan joined senior Biden-Harris Administration and White House officials to announce the Fifth National Climate Assessment, an extensive federal report that evaluates climate change science, impacts and strategies to mitigate current and future risks.
OCTOBER 24, 2023
Jesse Keenan's research leads to federal regulations on resiliency
Jesse M. Keenan, Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning, contributed research to new climate-related federal rules.