As climate change fuels sea level rise, younger people will migrate inland, leaving coastal populations to become older, says FSU’s Matt Hauer. “In the destination communities where populations are increasing you’ll need more dentists, doctors, service workers, construction workers, etc.”

The team’s research predicts that by 2100, average age in coastal communities could rise by 10 years. “Think about who are more unlikely to move and who will be left behind in these communities; it tends to be the oldest,” Hauer said. “Because migration is most likely to occur in more youthful populations, areas experiencing accelerated out-migration could face accelerated population aging.”

• Mathew Hauer