California and Florida grew quickly on the promise of perfect climates in the 1900s – today, they lead the country in climate change risks

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🗞️ Driving the news: California and Florida are ranked at the top of the list of states most at risk from climate change
• Once considered the ideal holiday destinations due to their warm climate, the two states are now plagued by endless rising sea levels, droughts and wildfires

🔭 The context: In the 19th century, Florida and Southern California were advertised as the ultimate "American Italy", ideal destinations away from winter's chill
• The states were successfully ‘sold’ to the American public at a time when the general public believed that one could only thrive in colder climates, prompting mass migration toward them

🌎 Why it matters for the planet: The impacts of global warming are putting prime destinations, such as California and Florida, under threat
• The inhabitants of these areas, whose ancestors once moved there for the climate, must now consider moving out for that same reason

⏭️ What's next: Both states must face questions about their sustainability and inhabitability in the face of extreme weather events

💬 One quote: “This history of climate-based advertising puts into stark relief the challenges faced by California and Florida in the era of climate crisis." (Henry Knight Lozano, University of Exeter)

📈 One stat: In the 1880s, the population of Southern California tripled to over 201,000, while Florida's peninsular population doubled to over 147,000

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