In 2021, Louisiana experienced the fifth highest population loss in the nation, losing more than 27,000 citizens. Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) explores the reasons why with the new program Louisiana Spotlight: Leaving Louisiana, premiering Monday at 8 p.m. statewide on LPB. Census figures show the U. S. population grew at a rate of just 0.1% in 2021. That is a slower rate than in any other year since the founding of the nation. COVID-19, declining birth rates, and international migration all played roles in this nationwide decline, but in Louisiana, the decline was exacerbated even further by the effects of climate change. Experts say this quick decline in population is directly correlated with Hurricanes Laura and Ida, but is compounded by rising insurance rates, crime, and a stagnating job market in Louisiana. Is this the beginning of a worrisome trend, or an anomaly? Louisiana Spotlight takes a deep dive into the numbers; what they mean for the future of our state, and for its citizens. André Moreau, Managing Editor and Anchor of LPB’s weekly news magazine Louisiana: The State We’re In will host. Viewers have multiple options to stream Louisiana Spotlight: Leaving Louisiana.