Tag: Migration

Climatic and Environmental Factors Matter for Internal European Net Migration: A Panel Regression Analysis of 19 European Countries from 2004 to 2019

This study explores the connections between climatic and environmental factors and internal net migration in Europe, addressing a topic that has received growing political, academic, and public interest.

Previous research has focused mainly on the Global South or on international migration in the Mediterranean region, but this study concentrates on internal migration within 19 European countries between 2004 and 2019, using municipalities as the unit of analysis.
Using panel regression models, the authors examine the relationship between internal net migration and a wide range of climatic factors (sunshine, temperature, precipitation) and environmental indicators (pollution, vegetation, wildfires), while controlling for economic drivers.

The authors find that climatic and environmental factors significantly contribute to explaining internal migration patterns, with strong regional and national differences. These factors have the greatest explanatory power in Southern Europe but also matter in other regions.

This also supports the concept of amenity migration, suggesting that Europeans move toward more favorable and away from less favorable climatic and environmental conditions. It becomes evident that climate- and environment-related migration is already a reality within Europe and should be recognized as such to ensure that mobility remains voluntary and adaptive rather than forced or maladaptive.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-025-02484-9

Reference

Link, A.-C., & Brenner, T. (2026). Climatic and environmental factors matter for internal European net migration: A panel regression analysis of 19 European countries from 2004 to 2019. Regional Environmental Change, 26(1)

2026-03-01
Climate-Induced Migration: A Growing Concern for Global Food Security and Nutrition

Climate-induced migration has emerged as a critical challenge to global food security and nutrition, particularly in regions with fragile agricultural systems and limited adaptive capacity, and this review synthesizes recent evidence on the interconnections between climate change, migration, and food insecurity, focusing on the pathways through which environmental stressors drive displacement and alter access to adequate and nutritious food.

It highlights how extreme weather events, land degradation, and resource scarcity disrupt agricultural livelihoods, leading to both voluntary and forced migration.

It also explores how these movements reshape dietary patterns, increase malnutrition among migrants and host communities, and deepen socioeconomic inequalities.

By analyzing policy gaps and resilience mechanisms, the authors propose an integrated framework that aligns climate adaptation, migration governance, and food-nutrition policies.

It concludes with recommendations to strengthen climate-resilient food systems, improve institutional responses, and support vulnerable populations in achieving sustainable food and nutrition security in the context of increasing climate mobility.

Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foohum.2025.100954

Reference

Aremu, V. T., Adedeji, B. O., Ojediran, T. K., & Ajayi, A. F. (2026). Climate-induced migration: A growing concern for global food security and nutrition. Food and Humanity, 6

2026-02-27
Evidence of Climate and Economic Drivers Affecting Migration in an Unequal and Warming World

Climate conditions, in complex interrelations with other socioenvironmental, economic, political and cultural factors, significantly play a key role in shaping population density and movement. But these dynamics remain poorly understood.

This study examines how climate conditions, together with socioenvironmental, economic, political, and cultural factors, shape international migration patterns.

Using temperature-related climate indices, the authors assess the sensitivity of migration to climate change across 160 countries and regions.

Results show that mid- to high-latitude countries with cooler baseline climates are projected to experience increased migration inflows, while low-latitude countries are likely to see growing outflows. Climate sensitivity is strongest in higher-GDP countries, whereas lower-GDP countries show less dependence on baseline climate.

A predictive model combining climate and GDP projections suggests that low-GDP, low-latitude countries will face worsening conditions and increasing migration pressure by the end of the century.

The study’s results underscore the growing role of economic factors and calls for the integration of climate justice into migration policy to support vulnerable populations in a warming world.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02811-2

Reference

Yang, X., Chen, D., Wahab, I. et al. Evidence of climate and economic drivers affecting migration in an unequal and warming world. Commun Earth Environ 6, 782 (2025)

2026-02-24
Vulnerabilities of Climate Change-Induced Displacement and Migration in South Asia

South Asian countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change, a region particularly vulnerable to climate hazards, and where people rely heavily on livelihoods sensitive to the environment, such as agriculture or fishing, which can constantly lead to a risk in the decline of living standards.

As such, climate threats promote inequality among people and destroy assets and infrastructure.

Following this evidence, this study’s primary goal is to investigate the different aspects and severity of vulnerabilities brought on by displacement and migration brought on by climate change in South Asia.

The themes covered are, in general, rapid urbanisation and the resulting hardships; health-related vulnerabilities; job and livelihood uncertainties; conflicts, security, and human rights issues; and effects on women, children, and older people.

It concludes with policy recommendations, at least for South Asian countries, deemed essential but still lacking implementation, to save people from future danger.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-025-00237-x

Reference

Harun, M., Rahman, A., & Ferdous, J. (2025). Vulnerabilities of climate change-induced displacement and migration in South Asia. Discover Global Society, 3(1)

2026-02-23
Climate-Induced Migration and Climate Immobility in Ghana: A Socio-Ecological Mixed Method Study

The drivers of climate-induced migration and climate immobility among rural and peri-urban residents in northern and Upper East Ghana are investigated in this paper, where climate stressors such as flooding, extreme heat, windstorms, and drought create both voluntary and involuntary mobility, as well as situations of being “trapped”, despite a desire to move.

Using an embedded concurrent mixed-methods design, the study surveyed 2,125 participants and conducted 21 interviews across 12 communities in the Talensi and Savelugu districts. Multilevel regression analysis and comparative thematic analysis were used to identify the socio-demographic and experiential factors associated with climate migration and immobility.

Results showed that 21.7% of respondents had experienced climate-induced migration, while nearly half (49.9%) were climate immobile, reporting no intention to relocate despite climate stress. Older age groups and lower income were associated with higher likelihood of climate immobility. In contrast, individuals who perceived their health as worsening were significantly more likely to migrate.

Qualitative findings highlighted recurring displacement, with some communities experiencing floods up to 14 times per year due to Bagre Dam spillages.

The authors conclude that national and local governments must strengthen the adaptive capacities of climate-vulnerable populations to better address both mobility and immobility under climate stress.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100364

Reference

Appiah, S. C. Y. (2025). Climate-induced migration and climate immobility in Ghana: A socio-ecological mixed method study. Journal of Migration and Health, 12, 100364

2026-02-22
The European Union’s Governmentality of Climate-Induced Migration: A Need for Reconceptualization

Given the significant, irreversible impact of climate change on human migration, policy corresponding to the specific needs of these situations would already be expected to exist. But, although the EU is a leading actor in climate governance, the author finds that its policymaking reflects a more limited and fragmented approach to climate migration.

So, in this study, how the European Union conceptualizes climate-induced migration is examined, a growing global challenge that calls for more inclusive protection frameworks.

Using content analysis, the author examined 62 legal and policy documents published between 2009 and 2024. The use of climate change and migration-related concepts, both separately and interrelatedly, is analysed using MAXQDA through both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The research was also supported by Michel Foucault’s governmentality perspective.

Findings show that the EU’s conceptualization of climate-induced migration and its use of a human rights–based approach remain limited. It is concluded that the EU’s governmentality of climate-induced migration is characterized by slow and constrained policymaking, and the need for a more holistic and rights-based framework is highlighted.

Learn more about this paper here: https://doi.org/10.1111/imig.70095

Reference

Bozkaya, Ö. (2025). The European Union’s Governmentality of Climate-Induced Migration: A Need for Reconceptualisation. International Migration, 63(5)

2026-02-21
Global Climate Migration is a Story of Who and not Just How Many

Understanding the impact of climate change on human migration is critical for policymakers, but it can both incentivize people to migrate and reduce their ability to move, making its effect ambiguous.

Following this evidence, the authors propose an approach to studying migration that combines causal inference methods with cross-validation techniques to reliably estimate effects of weather on migration within and across borders, an approach that highlights the key role of migrant demographics in the weather-migration relationship.

They show that allowing climate effects to vary by age and education improves predictive performance more than fivefold compared with assuming uniform effects. This demographic heterogeneity explains much of the variation in migration responses.

Their projections suggest that climate change will have much larger effects on future cross-border migration for most demographic groups than the average effect indicates. However, differing responses across groups tend to offset one another, shaping the overall migration outcome.

Learn more about this paper here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62969-3

Reference

Benveniste, H., Huybers, P. & Proctor, J. Global climate migration is a story of who and not just how many. Nat Commun 16, 7752 (2025)

2026-02-21
How does the Climate Change and Migration Nexus Result in Maladaptation?

The characteristics and causes of ineffective migration and how such movements can lead to maladaptation were researched in this article.

Based on a systematic review of 89 studies, the analysis considers impacts on migrant households, destination communities, and origin communities, including those left behind and trapped populations.

It is explained how climate-influenced migration can lead to persistent poverty, food insecurity, inequality, exclusion, and social isolation, driven by low income, limited skills and education, weak remittance flows, unequal access to rights, and language barriers.

The paper demonstrates how the phenomena can undermine local livelihoods and harm both sending and receiving communities, asserting that a clearer understanding of maladaptive migration is essential for policymakers seeking to manage climate-induced mobility more effectively.

Learn more about this paper here: https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2025.2518298

Reference

Khavarian-Garmsir, A. R., Sharifi, A., Sadeghi, A., & Allam, Z. (2025). How does the climate change and migration nexus result in maladaptation? Climate Policy, 1–16

2026-02-20
Safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage
Proposal: Reclaiming Living Heritage for Community Resilience and Adaptation in Europe

Implementation: 2026 to 2030

Call: HORIZON-CL2-2025-02-TWO-STAGE – Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society – 2025 – Two-stage

Type of Action: HORIZON-RIA – HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

Keywords: Social issues, lifestyle migration, unsustainable tourism, community displacement, digital innovations, cultural threat assessment, climate change mitigation strategies

Objective: The project is designed to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Southern Europe against pressures to residents and traditional communities from mass tourism, lifestyle migration, and climate change. The project begins by diagnosing vulnerabilities of ICH through a comprehensive assessment that includes ethnographic research, demographic analysis, and geospatial mapping. This phase culminates in the creation of a digital observatory for real-time community-informed monitoring of cultural spaces and practices.

Following the diagnostic work, the project focuses on empowering communities through educational programs and workshops, with a special emphasis on engaging youth and marginalized groups. These activities use creative co-creation and digital storytelling to revitalize and transmit local traditions. The project also involves the co-creation of digital tools.

These user-friendly, AI-supported platforms allow communities to document and share their heritage, effectively creating “digital micro-museums.” This ensures that local knowledge and narratives guide the safeguarding process. Finally, it translates its findings into actionable governance and policy frameworks. By engaging policymakers and community representatives, the project aims to integrate ICH into urban planning, climate adaptation strategies, and social cohesion frameworks, ensuring that cultural heritage is a central part of sustainable development.

Partners:
- Idener Research & Development Agrupacion De Interes Economico
- European Institute for Human Rights (Young Educators)
- Centro Studi E Ricerca Impacto Ets
- Impact Hub Srl
- Kneia Sl
- Asociación Para La Investigación, El Diseño Y La Innovación
- Tcic Ab
- IAFM – Instituto Andaluz De Formación Y Mercado
- Universitat Jaume I De Castellon
- The Dataflow Company
2025-12-04
Digital Transformation & Social Inclusion
Proposal: Reinventing Opportunities to Overcome underachievemenT in Stem

Implementation: 2026 to 2029

Call: ERASMUS-EDU-2025-PI-FORWARD – FORWARD-LOOKING PROJECTS

Type of Action: ERASMUS-LS – ERASMUS Lump Sum Grants

Proposed Budget: 720 872,16€

Keywords: equality, diversity, inclusion, education, innovation, stem, equal opportunities, non discrimination, equity, gender equality, disability, migration, health

Objective: The project’s primary objectives include the development and dissemination of innovative methodologies, the advancement of educators’ professional competencies, and the creation of inclusive learning environments that respond to the needs of underrepresented groups. Through a series of structured activities, including transnational training sessions, the co-creation of open educational resources, and the piloting of novel curricula, the consortium aims to facilitate meaningful exchange of knowledge and best practices among participating institutions.

Targeting educators, learners, vocational training providers, and policy stakeholders, the project adopts a holistic and collaborative approach that aligns with the overarching priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme: inclusion and diversity, digital education, environmental sustainability, and active citizenship.

The anticipated outcomes include enhanced institutional cooperation, the production of transferable and scalable educational models, and the empowerment of educators and learners to engage more fully in the social and economic life of their communities.

Ultimately, the project aspires to contribute to the European Education Area by promoting excellence, equity, and innovation across educational sectors.

Partners:
- Università Degli Studi Di Genova
- European Institute for Human Rights (Young Educators)
- Help Code Italia
- Universidade De Coimbra
- Asociacion Building Bridges
- Cankaya Universitesi Vakfi Türkiye
- Kodluyoruz Dernegi
2025-12-03