Between Crisis and Cooperation: Understanding Global Responses to Climate Migration
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Type
Submission
Department
Political Science
Major
Political Science
Abstract
As the effects of climate change continue to worsen, so does the displacement of climate migrants throughout the world. Over the last 15 years the number of climate refugees has increased by over 40 percent, however they have yet to receive international legal recognition. This limits climate refugees’ rights, access to safe mobility solutions, and overall support from international organizations. What international cooperative efforts address climate refugees’ needs, and what roadblocks stand in the way of further global cooperation? By analyzing case studies, regional initiatives, and international interventions, this paper reveals the political challenges of international cooperation related to climate migration. It shows that support for climate refugees has been stunted by financial obligations and security concerns of individual states, as well as the overall fragmentation of international institutions. Bilateral development agreements and regional climate policy are one solution to address these limitations, but also underscore the dire need for heightened global collaboration in this time of growing crisis.
Faculty Mentor
Felicity Vabulas
Funding Source or Research Program
Not Identified
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
10-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2026 2:00 PM
Between Crisis and Cooperation: Understanding Global Responses to Climate Migration
Waves Cafeteria
As the effects of climate change continue to worsen, so does the displacement of climate migrants throughout the world. Over the last 15 years the number of climate refugees has increased by over 40 percent, however they have yet to receive international legal recognition. This limits climate refugees’ rights, access to safe mobility solutions, and overall support from international organizations. What international cooperative efforts address climate refugees’ needs, and what roadblocks stand in the way of further global cooperation? By analyzing case studies, regional initiatives, and international interventions, this paper reveals the political challenges of international cooperation related to climate migration. It shows that support for climate refugees has been stunted by financial obligations and security concerns of individual states, as well as the overall fragmentation of international institutions. Bilateral development agreements and regional climate policy are one solution to address these limitations, but also underscore the dire need for heightened global collaboration in this time of growing crisis.