How is climate change affecting migration – and how should policy-makers respond?

In collaboration with the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and introduced by Kevin Watkins, ODI's Executive Director, this event examines the latest evidence on the linkages between climate change and human displacement, as well as its social, economic, and cultural implications.

Research demonstrates that rising sea levels, long spells of drought, and erratic rainfall are jeopardising livelihoods in vulnerable regions around the world, resulting in various types of migration. In some cases, individuals leave affected areas in search of better employment prospects; in other instances, entire families and communities are uprooted seeking safe havens.

The event features insights from Professor Dominic Kniveton, a climate change and migration expert at the University of Sussex, who presents the results of a CDKN-sponsored study on climate-related displacement in Bangladesh. H.E. Mohamed Mijarul Quayes, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, responds with a government perspective on the findings.

Additionally, Nick Rance screens clips from a documentary by the Television Trust for the Environment (tve) and CDKN highlighting the experiences of Bangladeshis facing climate-induced migration. Alex Randall of the Climate Outreach and Information Network (COIN) launches 'Moving Stories', a collection of testimonials from individuals displaced by climate impacts. Sam Bickersteth (Chief Executive, CDKN) chairs the session, with additional commentary from Veena Ravichandran (Senior Research Advisor, CDKN).