Workshop on environmental migration and conflict

In long-term scenarios on potential security risks emanating from climate change, large-scale population movements figure prominently among the assumed threats. According to recent studies, environmental migration is likely to be most prevalent in areas that are at the same time affected by severe environmental problems and are highly dependent on the environment for livelihood, such as in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Based on existing studies, it can be assumed that large-scale forced or distress migration related to environmental and climate change to date tends to be internal, regional and short-term or temporary. By contrast, international migration as a result of (sudden) natural disasters appears to be less prevalent.

A key challenge for researchers and practitioners alike still lies in the identification of receiving communities with large numbers of immigrants who migrated solely due to environmental push factors as opposed to other motivations or a combination thereof. In addition, there are several contextual factors that might mitigate or exacerbate the propensity for violence in receiving areas, such as the types and determinants of environmental migration, responses and capacities as well as host and migrant relations in receiving areas.

Against this backdrop, this workshop seeks to disaggregate the nexus between climate change-induced migration and the scope for conflict in receiving areas by identifying and assessing the impact of these mitigating factors. Following a review of previous research and conceptualizations, the debate will especially focus on the role and scope of action by relevant stakeholders – governments, NGOs, and the media – in receiving areas.

Moderation: Andrea Warnecke (BICC)

Panelists:
Jerry Sommer
Journalist | BICC Research Associate
Fabrice Renaud
Head | Environmental Vulnerability and Energy Security Section, UNU-EHS
Dennis Tänzler
Senior Project Manager | Adelphi Research
Astrid Ziebarth
Program Officer | GMF Berlin Office
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