Climate Change and Migration: An Omnibus Overview for Policymakers and Development Practitioners

Climate change will have, and is having, major ramifications for migration at every level. While most migration affected by climate change will be internal, the international system is unprepared and inadequate for the needs that will arise.

This paper reviews issues faced in the governance of climate-affected migration at the internal, regional, and international levels. It finds that at every level migration can be a valuable tool for adaptation, but that action is needed if its positive impact is to be maximised and negative consequences are to be avoided. Policy options are proposed or identified in numerous spheres of action.