La Strada Documentation Center

In search of shelter. Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration and Displacement

Document number
2222
Date
2009
Title
In search of shelter. Mapping the Effects of Climate Change on Human Migration and Displacement
Author/publisher
Koko Warner, the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security; Charles Ehrhart, CARE International; Alex de Sherbinin, Susana Adamo, Tricia Chai-Onn, Center for International Earth Science Information Network
Availability
View/save PDF version of this document
Document type(s)
Research/Study/Analysis,
Keywords
Migrant rights; Migration management; Comprehensive approach to migration; Migration policy; Restrictive migration measures,
Summary
This report explores how environmental shocks and stresses, especially those related to climate change, can push people to leave their homes in search of “greener pastures” … or just to survive. In order to make informed decisions, policymakers and development actors need a better understanding of the linkages between environmental change, displacement and migration.

This report, therefore, offers:
empirical evidence from a first-time, multi-continent survey of environmental change and migration;
original maps illustrating how, and where, the impacts of climate change may prompt significant displacement and migration;
policy recommendations that reflect the collective thinking of key multi-lateral and research institutions, as well as nongovernmental organizations working directly with many of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

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