The Governance (and Politics) of Climate Change-related Migration
Call for Contributions for Panel Proposal at the IMISCOE Annual Conference in Paris, 1-4 July 2025.
Chairs: Hanna Geschewski, Nina Sahraoui & Cathrine Talleraas
Research shows that climate change, most often intertwined with other factors, increasingly shapes human movement. In this context, climate-related migration has long been framed in negative terms, associated with mass displacement, resource scarcity, and conflict (Gemenne & Blocher, 2017). This perspective is reflected in many existing policy and governance frameworks, across geographical contexts, aimed at preventing climate-related migration. Yet, scholars and practitioners have challenged the perceived irreconcilability between migration and climate adaptation (Black et al., 2011; Vinke et al., 2020). Instead, migration is increasingly acknowledged as a “legitimate and potentially effective response” and adaptive strategy to climate and environmental stress (Szaboova et al., 2023, p. 620). It can enable people to diversify their livelihoods, support in-situ adaptation through remittances, or relocate entirely from high-risk areas (Scheffran et al., 2012). Empirical research confirms that migration, in various forms and across multiple scales—spatial, temporal, and social—is already being used as an adaptation tool, with varying degrees of success for migrants, and those in origin and host societies (Scheffran et al., 2012). Yet, knowledge on the governance of climate-related migration, and the politics within it, remains scarce. While adverse outcomes of such migration can be reduced, and its adaptive potential harnessed, existing governance approaches are often siloed, reactive and fail to address key issues, such as host societies or the people left behind (Draper, 2024; Maharjan et al., 2020). These challenges highlight critical empirical and conceptual gaps, and a need to talk across disciplines and methodologies. This panel seeks to advance these ongoing scholarly discussions by inviting contributions that explore the politics and governance of the complex interplay between climate change and migration. We welcome submissions that engage with diverse theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and geographical contexts. Contributions addressing specific policy frameworks, governance strategies, and gendered dynamics, in approaching human mobility and climate change in integrative ways are encouraged.
Possible topics for exploration include, but are not limited to:
· In what ways do policy and governance frameworks at local, national, and international levels either enable or hinder the use of migration as an adaptive response to climate change?
· What roles do other factors, such as informal networks and community-based organizations play in managing or shaping migration as a response to climate-related stress?
· What are the ethical considerations involved in facilitating migration as a climate adaptation strategy, especially in cases where state-led relocation may not be voluntary?
· What innovative governance approaches are emerging to address the challenges of climate-induced migration in urban areas?
· How do, or can, historical migration patterns in response to environmental changes inform current policies and strategies for managing climate-related mobility?
If this proposed panel aligns with your research interests and you would like to participate, please submit your paper abstract (maximum 250 words), and short bios to