The Complexities of Climate Migration
2024 has been branded the hottest year on record, with climate extremes impacting every corner of the globe. From Hurricanes Beryl, Helene and Milton sweeping across North America to severe flooding in Southern Brazil and Dubai, extra hot summers in Europe and storms in Victoria, Australia, no region has been spared.
An indirect yet substantial consequence of the crisis is the 26 million people who have become internally displaced and forced to migrate due to environmental changes. According to the World Bank, this figure could rise to 216 million by 2050 if climate change remains unchecked. Identifying who is affected, why, and how highlights the complexities of climate migration, a multifaceted and urgent issue.
Understanding Climate Migration
Identifying climate migrants is not an easy task. There is not a universally accepted definition of the term, yet the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) defines it as:
‘...persons or groups of persons who, predominantly for reasons of sudden or progressive change in the environment that adversely affects their lives or living conditions, are obliged to leave their habitual homes, or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently, and who move either within their country or abroad.’
A broad definition, it accounts for all the nuances involved in climate migration. Movement can be forced or voluntary, temporary or permanent, internal or international, individual or collective and of different proximities. Movement can also be influenced by different environmental changes such as ‘slow-onset events and processes’ (rise in sea level, increasing temperature, etc) or ‘sudden-onset events and processes (floods, storms and other climate shocks), bringing the reasons why people migrate as varying.
The Impact of Lives and Livelihoods
The human cost of climate migration is immense. Those displaced not only lose their homes but also their livelihoods, social networks, and sense of stability. Many are thrust into cycles of poverty and vulnerability, facing limited access to education, employment, healthcare, and secure housing. This compounded suffering creates additional barriers to rebuilding their lives.
The effects extend beyond those directly displaced. By 2050, 8 million migrants are expected to move into just 10 cities across South America, Africa, and Asia, leading to increased competition for resources and potential social tensions. While some cities have taken steps to support migrants— such as Abuja in Nigeria, where a solar-powered factory both conserves forests and creates jobs—most regions are underprepared. The least developed countries, which receive only 1% of urban climate finance, lack the resources to address this growing crisis.
Global and Local Responses
Global responses have been sparse, however, they have attempted to raise awareness of the issue. The World Economic Forum has described them as "the world’s forgotten victims”, due to their lack of legal protections. This framing is often used in policy and media debates to garner public support for migrants. Similarly, the United Nations Refugee Agency has started integrating climate considerations into its operations, including greener supply chains. The framing used by WEF and the actions by the UNHCR are good starting points to supporting migrants, however they are not sufficient enough to address the magnitude of it.
On the other hand, local efforts show promise but remain limited in scope. For example, some communities have introduced programs to create climate-resilient infrastructure and employment opportunities, such as Mongla in Bangladesh, yet such projects often lack the funding or scale to meet the rising demand. A coordinated international effort, alongside significant investment in vulnerable regions, is critical to addressing the challenges of climate migration effectively.
The complexities of climate migration demand an urgent need for global cooperation. As the climate crisis intensifies, the world must act sooner, prioritising sustainable development, climate adaption and perhaps the most important, concrete solutions for those that have been displaced.
Published in the 1st edition of Developmental Insights
