Displacement considerations for climate change projects

Together with a large group of scientists from different disciplines and regions of the world, we wrote a perspective piece with Environmental Research Letters that just came out: https://lnkd.in/dxxE4NEq It cautions against premature or top-down characterizations of areas as uninhabitable, or portrayals of large-scale climate-induced displacement as inevitable—particularly when the perspectives and preferences of affected populations are excluded. While we recognize the importance of modelling and scenario-building to assess future risks, we argue that such efforts must be grounded in local realities and include diverse forms of knowledge. We propose five guiding recommendations: (1) avoid declaring hard limits to habitability without inclusive, context-specific assessments; (2) treat model-based projections as possible, not predetermined futures; (3) reject simplistic global North/South assumptions in assessing vulnerability and mobility; (4) uphold people’s right to remain, alongside the right to move; and (5) prioritize investment in in-situ adaptation that addresses structural inequalities. These principles aim to inform reflexive and justice-oriented approaches to climate mobility and habitability research.

🌍 NEW PUBLICATION ALERT 🌍 What would happen to a state that lost its entire territory? This may soon become a bitter reality for several Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are facing existential threats from rising sea levels. 📘 In IOM - UN Migration's "Migration Policy Practice", Ankita Aggarwal and I propose a bold new framework to safeguard the statehood, sovereignty, and cultural identity of SIDS, enabling them to maintain legal continuity and governance beyond their physical territory. 🔑 3 Key Propositions: 🏝️ Deterritorialized Governance Hubs: A novel model allowing displaced SIDS populations to retain collective governance, legal identity, and cultural autonomy—even after physical relocation. 🏝️ Multilateral Resettlement + Dual Citizenship: Proposes tailored relocation agreements and dual citizenship frameworks to ensure integration without erasing national identity. 🏝️ Maritime Resource Leverage: Advocates for using maritime rights (EEZs, fisheries) and climate finance (e.g., Loss & Damage Fund) to fund resettlement and incentivize host country participation. 🌐 As the world braces for unprecedented climate displacement, this framework invites policymakers, legal scholars, and global institutions to reimagine what sovereignty means in a rapidly changing world. Working on related questions? Please reach out to explore options to collaborate. Global Centre for Climate Mobility Columbia Climate School #ClimateChange #Statelessness #SIDS #MigrationPolicy #InternationalLaw #ClimateJustice #Governance #HumanRights #Sovereignty #LossAndDamage #Tuvalu #Kiribati #Resettlement #DualCitizenship

How do carbon offset projects impact land rights in Africa? As voluntary carbon markets expand, they’re hailed as vital tools for climate change mitigation. But are we overlooking the effects on local communities and land tenure? Our latest data story, Carbon Deals in Africa by Anne Hennings, PhD and Luis Baquero Bernal, explores this complex intersection between climate action and land governance. Drawing on case studies from East and West Africa, it highlights the risks of over-crediting, displacement, and violations of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) — and offers insights into how inclusive, people-centered land governance systems can mitigate these challenges. 📖 Read the full data story here: https://lnkd.in/eybpxHtn #ClimateAction #LandRights #CarbonMarkets #SustainableDevelopment #Governance #Africa #FPIC Land Portal Foundation, International Land Coalition, Prindex, Land Matrix Initiative, Anna Locke, Malcolm Childress, Denys Nizalov, Christoph Kubitza, Markus Giger, Ashley von Anrep, Michael Taylor, Mariella Schlingloff

Land-based #carbonoffset projects are expanding rapidly across Africa, but many are moving forward without meaningful engagement with indigenous and local communities. Too often, these initiatives bypass the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (#FPIC), resulting in #marginalization, #displacement, and #conflict. This trend risks repeating colonial-era #landgrabs by prioritizing carbon metrics over people’s #rights. A recent report, "Net Zero and Land Rights: How Our Climate Goals Drive Land Demand and Shape People's Lives," published by the Robert Bosch Stiftung and TMG Think Tank for Sustainability, warns of a global #landrush driven by climate strategies that rely heavily on land-based #carbonremoval. Governments and corporations, eager to meet net-zero pledges and limit #globalwarming, are turning to reforestation and afforestation as key #offsetstrategies. The report estimates that up to one billion hectares of land may be needed by 2060 to meet these commitments. This surge in land demand is concentrated in the Global South, where #landtenure systems are often insecure or informal. Indigenous peoples and local communities hold #customaryrights to about 65% of the world’s land, but only 10% is formally recognized. This #legalgap allows governments and companies to negotiate land deals without the consent or compensation of rightful #landcustodians, leading to displacement, disruption of local #foodsystems, and ecological #degradation. Women are particularly at risk, as they are frequently excluded from land tenure and benefits. The report highlights how community-led initiatives can balance climate targets and #humanrights in carbon offsetting. Dr. Jes Weigelt, managing director of TMG, cautions, “We can’t build climate resilience through the carbon markets and climate targets if #landrights are not a part of #climatepolicy. Communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis are key stewards of forests, grasslands, and #biodiversity.” He emphasizes that secure land rights are essential for meaningful, just, and lasting #climateaction. In Kenya, longstanding land tenure issues expose vulnerable communities to #landacquisitions for #carbonprojects. Ignatius Juma, Senior Adaptation Advisor at Power Shift Africa, notes, “The absence of clear guidelines on #landownership and rights within the #NDC framework raises concerns about potential #landrelatedconflicts and marginalization of Indigenous communities.” More on greengrabbing: https://lnkd.in/dDZWUn-T 

NEW PUBLICATION: Migration, Environment, Conflict, and Climate Change in Yemen Yemen faces an unprecedented convergence of climate change, conflict, and displacement. My colleague, Dr. Ahmed Hani, and I just published IOM's latest Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (MECC) Country Report reveals the stark reality: 🌊 Record-breaking impacts in 2024-2025: Floods affected 1.3M+ people (61% increase from previous years) 4.5M internally displaced persons—the highest on record 97% of the country now faces desertification (up from 90% in 2014) ⚡ Climate as a "stress multiplier": Water scarcity drives 70-80% of rural disputes, while extreme weather destroys livelihoods and infrastructure. GDP projected to lose $93B by 2060 without intervention. 🔍 Key findings: Climate-induced displacement is escalating alongside conflict, creating a dangerous feedback loop. Traditional coping mechanisms are failing as communities face repeated shocks with insufficient resources for recovery. 💡 The path forward: Integrated climate adaptation and peacebuilding strategies are essential. We need conflict-sensitive approaches that combine immediate humanitarian support with long-term resilience building. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eGnN4Ssr #ClimateChange #Migration #Yemen #Displacement #ClimateAdaptation #Peacebuilding #IOM