Climate change will increase migration flows, in particular from the world’s poorest and most crisis-prone countries. The links between climate change and migration are complex and difficult to identify. In spite of disagreement about how to
identify climate as a causal factor in migration, the policy challenges posed by the movement are real. 

Even though climate change and environmental degradation have a significant impact on population movements worldwide, at present, there is no coherent policy approach from the European Union (EU) on how to respond to the phenomenon of environmentally-induced migration/displacement.

With this report, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union wants to raise awareness that there is already a great deal known about climate change and migration. The time has come to translate research evidence and recommendations into policy practice: what role can and should the EU play to adequately respond to the challenge of climate change and migration?

Table of content:

PART I: Defining the challenge – Myths & facts about climate change & migration
Part II: Tackling the challenge – Policy recommendations to the EU
Policy recommendations to the European Union
Conclusions