Disaster and climate-induced migration and displacement

Disasters displace millions of people every year, with the majority of displacement occurring in Asia-Pacific. Climate change is expected to increase disaster displacement and influence migration dynamics as the impacts of environmental hazards become more intense, especially in developing countries.

Unsustainable development patterns, including poor urban planning, insufficient provision of social services, rapid urbanization, poverty, and conflict are all significant drivers of disaster displacement. Certain groups, particularly poor people living in high-risk areas, are more vulnerable to displacement during and after disasters.

Displacement uproots people from their lives, exacerbating their vulnerabilities and exposing them to new social, economic and physical risks and challenges in unfamiliar environments. However, at the same time, migration can serve as a vital adaptation strategy for millions of highly vulnerable people.