Migration as a Climate Adaptation Strategy: Challenges & Opportunities for USAID Programs

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Climate variability and change are increasingly contributing to, and in some cases suppressing, human migration. Climate-related migration ranges from a proactive adaptation strategy to forced displacement in the face of life-threatening risks. While climate-related displacement is a critical issue, this report explores the particular case of migration as a climate adaptation strategy and opportunities to support migration before it is a choice of last resort. 

Migration With Dignity

The opportunities outlined aim to promote the agency and strengthen the capacity of individuals, households, and communities, ensuring safer and more productive migration with dignity. This report seeks to reframe existing discourses about migration, positioning mobility as a potentially positive response to existing or anticipated climate impacts to livelihoods, food security, and livability of particular areas. 

As such, the scope of the report is limited to migration that is proactive and internal or, if cross-border, conducted along regular migration pathways. 

The purpose of this report is to:

• Explore existing programs and policies that approach migration as an adaptation strategy 
• Identify opportunities for USAID that harness the benefits and minimize the risks of migration as a climate adaptation strategy