Climate change, migration and justice: SEI’s research and pathways for overcoming challenges

Climate change is reshaping global migration and mobility patterns, intensifying risks and deepening existing inequalities. Migration increasingly shapes global political landscapes, influencing elections and policy decisions that can profoundly impact climate and development goals. While migration serves as a critical adaptation strategy for many, others are left behind, constrained by systemic vulnerabilities that limit their capacity to move or adapt. These dynamics demand research and governance approaches that integrate justice, equity and sustainability to address the needs of the most affected populations.

Migration is rarely driven by climate change alone, however, current policies often oversimplify its complexities such a focusing narrowly on securitization or economic outcomes. Such framings neglect the justice dimensions of mobility, perpetuating inequities and overlooking opportunities for sustainable, inclusive solutions. The aim of this report is to identify key challenges in addressing climate-related mobility while showcasing SEI’s thematic expertise and methodological strengths. By highlighting evidence-based approaches, the paper seeks to inform future research, policy and programming that centres justice, equity and sustainability