Another reason to choose Bulgaria?

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert12 March 2023 06:26:23

2555

Here's a report (2021) by the World Bank on Climate Risk, and the likely impacts of climate change.

https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/15848-WB_Bulgaria%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf

I read this a while a back, and I found it rather interesting, and it did influence my decision to commit myself to living long-term in Bulgaria. However, I thought I was being a bit wacky to be checking this kind of stuff! :-) However, today I read an article in the New York Times on "Climate-Proof Duluth" (quoting Professor Jesse Keenan, Tulane University).

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/10/realestate/duluth-minnesota-climate-change.html

This article seems to indicate that climate-related migration is (surprisingly) already a thing! The headline is:

"Out-of-Towners Head to ‘Climate-Proof Duluth’

The former industrial town in Minnesota is coming to terms with its status as a refuge for people moving from across the country because of climate change."

It should be noted that Duluth doesn't just appeal because of its climate resilience. It's a former industrial city that has suffered substantial economic and population decline, and, as a result, it has relatively low property prices which are also very appealing.

Bulgaria's low population (currently 6.9 million) and continuing population decline (projected to fall to 5.3 million by 2050) means that its natural resources are shared by relatively few people. And the report highlights that "Bulgaria is endowed with abundant freshwater resources and more favorable soil and climatic conditions compared to other European countries." This is good news as it makes the country relatively resilient to adverse climate change.

The report also notes that 75% of Bulgaria's population is already living in "urban areas", and that this will rise to 85% by 2050. I'd imagine this is good news for remote workers and retirees who want to find a village house and enjoy the country life.

janemulberry ViP

Member since 23 January 2021

janemulberryViP12 March 2023 12:10:29

1939

Good news! Sad to see those population decline figures, though. Anything that will attract people back to the villages has to be a good thing.

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert12 March 2023 13:11:36

2555

@janemulberry

Unfortunately, Bulgaria has one of the worst depopulation issues in the EU. That 20% plus decline over the next 30-odd years looks even more dramatic when compared with the UK, which is projected to rise by around 10% over the same period (from roughly 68 million to 74 million).

janemulberry ViP

Member since 23 January 2021

janemulberryViP12 March 2023 13:36:54

1939

Yes, those are huge numbers. I am a little concerned my village will shrink even further than it already has. 2000 residents during the communist era, now less than 200. The bakery and the garage have both closed. There's a cafe, and one small, rather sad little shop which may close when the older woman who runs it retires.

Though it's reassuring that I'm seeing quite a few younger Bulgarians have moved back, people with young families who want more room, homegrown food, and a simpler life for their kids. My neighbour took me to an autumn celebration at the kindergarten, and the class was full. A few of the parents spoke good English, as they'd spent a couple of years working in the UK then come home.

Hopefully, at least in some villages, the depopulation trend will reverse.