Climate Shifts: Relocating for Climate-Related Reasons as a Remote Worker
With the advent of remote working, we have more control than ever over where we live and how we earn. What this means, in the face of climate change, is that we can relocate to secure the futures of ourselves and our families. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at that process and how you can strategize for the changes to come.
Assessment
If you want to mitigate risk in the face of a changing climate, your first priority should be to research and assess. Take some time to weigh up geographical and work factors.
● Geography: In the years to come, some regions may be more susceptible to flooding or wildfires, while others may experience heavy droughts or severe weather. To determine the safest location for you, it’s important to research the area's history of natural disasters and look for predictions made by scientists.
● Economy: Some sectors of business will be disproportionately affected by climate change. It’s important, therefore, if you’re transitioning roles, moving to freelance, or even working for an employer in a risky industry, to consider how markets may shift over time.
● Properties: In a similar vein, certain property types will be more well-equipped to handle the coming changes than others. Before you make your move, try to ascertain what you think you’ll need to protect yourself and your family from natural disasters - this might include vegetable patches, a basement area, or a high elevation.
Action
Armed with the right knowledge, it’s time to take action to protect your livelihood and the long-term safety of you and your family.
● Accommodation: With so much uncertainty surrounding the climate, you may decide it makes more sense to rent rather than purchase - this will give you the flexibility to move in response to a natural disaster. You can find rental properties to suit your requirements using online directories - these will let you filter homes by type, cost, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
● Emergency preparation: There are many ways you can prepare for an emergency, including assembling a kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, etc. This can also include extra batteries, a manual can opener, and any prescription medications you or your family members may need. You should also keep copies of important documents, such as identification and insurance papers, in a waterproof and portable container.
Employment
We still don’t know to a degree of accuracy how climate change may affect the economy. It’s important, then, to proceed with caution as you choose a work niche in the coming decades.
● Marketing: If you work on a freelance basis, it’s important to maintain a solid client base even as you move location. This could mean marketing your services via social media or search engines to attract new business.
● Entrepreneurship: Despite climate shifts, there’s never been a better time to found a business of your own than now. If you haven’t already, consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) - this will help you to benefit from reduced personal liability, tax advantages, and less paperwork. When it comes to getting an LLC, a formation service can show you how to incorporate your services and save you money on lawyer fees.
● Sustainability: As a final tip, remember to reduce your carbon footprint and practice sustainability in all of your business actions. This could, for example, involve digitizing any paper records - PDF splitter tools can help you quickly separate larger documents and share these with others.
Climate change is a growing concern for many of us, and as remote work becomes more prevalent, we’re already seeing shifts to areas that will be more comfortable and safe in the face of natural disasters. Whether you’re switching to renting, founding your own business, or just looking to organize your business records, remember to keep an eye on the latest weather updates and tread carefully moving forward.
