What does environmental migration refer to?

Environmental migration refers to the movement of people as a direct result of environmental factors that make their current living situation untenable. These factors can include natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, droughts, or other climate-related events that significantly affect habitable areas, agricultural productivity, and access to resources such as water and food.

When people are forced to leave their homes due to these environmental challenges, they may seek refuge in other regions or countries where the living conditions are more favorable. This type of migration highlights a critical aspect of the interplay between environmental changes and human behavior.

The focus on movement due to environmental factors underscores the growing recognition of climate change and environmental degradation as pivotal issues that drive not only local but also international migration patterns. Understanding this concept is essential for comprehending the complexities of global migration trends today.