PACE Report on Climate and Migration

This report discusses how climate change has an adverse impact on living conditions of millions of people. Rising sea levels, worsening desertification, lack of drinking water, and other environment-related threats may also spark conflicts, giving rise to competition for access to resources.

The Council of Europe member States shall combat the effects of climate change and natural disasters shall prevent mass displacement of populations. Adequate action for climate adaptation and mitigation would help the affected populations feel safe and not forced to flee their homeland.

Human rights protection for people, who are forced to migrate by climate-change-induced disasters or hardship, should be enhanced. Particular attention should be paid to the needs of the most vulnerable: children, persons with disabilities, women, and the elderly. States should prevent environment degradation that multiply the effects of climate change. Science and technology should be better used to serve people and save lives. In this regard, States could better assess migration trends and anticipate new developments through dynamic mapping of climate change and migration. Development co-operation and emergency support in countries of origin of migrants should also help prevent climate-change-induced migration, develop resilience to climate disasters in these countries, and protect climate migrants. A Europe-based World Solidarity Fund for Climate Migration could help implement these measures.