The UNEP warned that climate change could displace over 140 million people within their own countries by 2050, with middle-income and agricultural nations most affected. Changes in rainfall, rising temperatures, and an increase in rapid-onset disasters are key drivers of this internal migration. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, climate change may cause up to 86 million internal migrants and push 132 million people in developing countries below the poverty line by 2030.

Building on these concerns, the IOM noted that migrants and diasporas are increasingly discussed as potential actors in addressing environmental challenges. Migrants may bring skills, knowledge, and resources that could support green initiatives and help build resilient communities. While the scale and impact of these contributions remain subject to ongoing research, the topic is receiving growing attention in international policy discussions.

Further insights are offered in the podcast episode “The World is Getting Greener: What Role Can Immigrants Play?”, which explores perspectives on how immigrant communities might contribute to activities such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and urban greening projects. This episode, among others in the Changing Climate, Changing Migration series, offers insights into the complex intersection of migration, climate adaptation, and environmental sustainability.

These declarations and resources highlight ongoing discussions around the integration of migration considerations within climate policies, as well as the evolving recognition of migrants’ diverse roles in environmental contexts.

For those interested in exploring these topics further, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) podcast series offers a range of episodes covering issues such as the potential of artificial intelligence to predict climate migration and other related subjects.