Adaptation in Motion

There are two contrasting perspectives on migration and climate change: Climate change receives much attention as a push factor for migration, and for resulting conflicts and crises.
The notion of “migration as adaptation” takes a more positive perspective, recognizing migrants’ agency and potential contribution to adaptation processes. However, this has entered adaptation or migration policies only to a limited degree.

This COP23 side event brought together insights from research and policy and formulated key messages relevant for decision makers. It included positive insights on migration, e.g. from migration as adaptation/development, but also critical perspectives such as migration and precarity; climate equity and justice; power and participation; or state responsibilities and human rights. The inputs focussed on conditions that enable migrants to be positive agents for change within climate change adaptation, and provided valuable information for decision makers and policy choices.

Speakers included Vanessa Lueck, Arizona State University [USA]; Patrick Sakdapolrak, University of Vienna [Austria]; Cosmin Corendea, UNU-EHS [Germany]; Kees van der Geest, UNU-EHS [Germany] & University of Hawaii [USA]; Mariam Traoré-Chazalnoel, IOM [Switzerland]; Moderation by Benjamin Schraven, DIE [Germany].

See also:

→ Watch the full side event recording here

→ Our blog post on the event

→ The facebook event

→ Explore the side-events on migration and climate change (PDF)

When: Tuesday, 14th November 10am - 12pm

Where: DIE-GDI, Tulpenfeld 6, 53113 Bonn, Germany
(No COP23 observer status needed to access the venue)

Blog Post "Making Migration Work for Adaptation" on the key messages of the side event