The global response to climate-induced migration is evolving as the scale and urgency of the issue become more apparent. Recent developments and challenges include:

New Policies and Initiatives

1. Strengthened Global Cooperation: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling for enhanced global cooperation to address climate-induced migration, emphasizing the need for dialogue and collective action.
2. Transformative Action: Experts advocate for bold, transformative policies on two fronts:
   • Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to reduce climate impacts
   • Investing in human capital to support climate-smart jobs and economic transitions
3. Loss and Damage Compensation: There’s growing recognition that support from Global North countries, including compensation for loss and damage, is crucial for managing climate-induced migration in the Global South.

Challenges

1. Scale of Migration: The World Bank estimates that up to 216 million people could become internal climate migrants by 2050 if specific climate action is not taken.
2. Regional Hotspots: Sub-Saharan Africa could see the highest number of internal climate migrants, with an estimated 86 million by 2050.
3. Complex Drivers: Climate-induced stressors often trigger migration through indirect pathways influenced by multiple institutional, political, and socio-economic factors.
4. Legal Frameworks: There is a lack of institutional response to protect environmental migrants, with current frameworks insufficient to handle climate-induced displacements.

Global Responses

1. Adaptation Strategies: Countries are developing national adaptation plans, such as Bangladesh’s Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan and India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change.
2. Regional Collaboration: There’s a call for strengthened regional cooperation, particularly in vulnerable areas like South Asia, to address climate-induced migration effectively.
3. UNHCR Strategic Plan: The UN Refugee Agency has developed a Strategic Plan for Climate Action 2024-2030, aiming to increase protection and resilience for climate-displaced populations.
4. Resilience Building: Recommendations focus on fostering water resilience, increasing resilience in food systems, and promoting rural development to reduce forced migration.

As climate-induced migration continues to grow as a global challenge, the international community faces the task of developing comprehensive, collaborative approaches that address both the root causes and the humanitarian needs of those displaced.