The debate on climate change and migration has so far been dominated by uncertainties over the interconnections between the two topics. Nevertheless, migration is already addressed by a number of national adaptation strategies. Their design is only one of the aspects discussed by the Transatlantic Study Group on climate change and migration organized by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF). Participating scholars and practitioners from the migration and environmental communities have now published eight papers that provide further insights on potential response measures to deal with the impacts of climate change on migration patterns.



One such background paper, by Susan Martin of Georgetown University, shows that a number of National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) already consider land use policies and programs to stabilize populations in areas that might otherwise experience large-scale out-migration. Martin further points out that it is crucial to identify resettlement strategies that protect people’s lives and livelihoods when they are unable to remain in their current areas. Policies and programs aimed at managing internal migration due to environmental hazards should, in fact, be a high priority on the political agenda of countries that are most affected by climate change.



In a similar vein Koko Warner, of the United Nations University, discusses the relevance of new governance approaches, in particular for bridging gaps in protection and assistance for climate change migrants who cannot return after disasters. In addition, Warner outlines that support will not only be needed for migrants, but also for those who remain behind. Respective governance approaches must consider the various dynamic social and migrant networks, which demand flexible methods of enhancing the resilience of affected communities. By outlining potential policy directions the GMF background papers can contribute to expanding the debate on climate change and migration beyond the narrow – 'to what extent will climate change alone cause migration’ – question of causality. (Dennis Taenzler)



For more information on the GMF initiative and to download the background papers, please see http://www.gmfus.org/cs/publications/publication_view?publication.id=650

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, June 2010