Environmental changes have always affected migration patterns, especially for those living in regions prone to recurrent drought or flooding. With the onset of global climate change, there is growing concern that many more people may be forced to migrate in the face of catastrophic environmental changes.

However, the relationship between the environment and migration is very poorly understood. Long-term climate change and its varied impacts on local environmental conditions are likely to affect global migration patterns, although their actual impacts are the subject of much debate. Alarmist perceptions which suggest mass movements will be triggered by climate change are being challenged by studies that emphasise people’s resilience and the fact that migration is not the only possible response.

IMI is working with the Refugee Studies Centre and the Environmental Change Institute to review the evidence and develop a more robust analysis of the complex and reciprocal interconnections between environmental change and migration.

Ongoing activities

Global Migration Futures (2009–)

This project aims to assess future global migration trends and their effects on European receiving countries and sending countries mainly located in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. This is done through elaborating scenarios, as an innovative research methodology, taking account of likely future social, economic, political, demographic and environmental change in various world regions. Read more about the Global Migration Futures project...

Past events

In 2009 IMI organised a workshop on environmental change and migration with the Refugee Studies Centre.

• Read the final report from the environmental change and migration workshop.
  
• Read the workshop papers on the RSC website.