Future of Migration – Understanding Migration

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

closeup of a young woman outdoors showing a notepad in front of her face with the text we all are migrants written in it, in black and white

What is the future of migration?

Experts predict that by 2050, there will be 405 million international migrants around the world and as many as one billion climate migrants.

It is possible that in the future, you or someone close to you will be on the move.

How does moving contribute to climate change?

Carbon dioxide emitted by airplanes, cars, and other modes of transportation contributes to climate change. The more we move around the planet, the greater our impact becomes.

Who are climate migrants?

Climate migrants are people who are forced to leave their homes due to sudden or long-term changes to their local environment.

Experts predict that climate change will increase migration in the future as people flee crop failure, water scarcity, chronic flooding, and sea-level rise. Currently, climate migrants lack any formal definition, recognition, or protection under international law.

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An eroding beach in North Carolina. Photo by cindylindowphotography

Thousands of students gather at a climate change protest rally in Australia in 2019. Photo by Holli/Shutterstock.com

farmer sitting on parched agricultural land

A farmer sits on his parched agricultural land during a heavy drought in Assam, northeastern India, in March 2020. Photo by Diganta Talukdar/Shutterstock.com

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A wildfire blazes in Monterey County, California, in August 2020. Hotter, drier conditions are increasing wildfires in the region. Photo by David A Litman

A young girl holds a sign protesting climate change, 2019. Photo by Lia Haro

How can we create a more sustainable future?

No matter where you live, climate change has an impact on your life. It threatens our environment, our health, our homes, our livelihoods, and our cultures. Threats of this magnitude affect our stability—our sense of cultural identity, our well-being, and our security. Together, we can change our behaviors and use civic engagement to fight climate change and create a more sustainable future.

Talkback question Share Your Story Are you thinking of moving in the future? Where would you like to move and why? Share your migration stories using #WorldOnTheMove

People have been moving since the beginning of human history. Although migration patterns and processes may change, moving is a fundamental part of what it means to be human.