8.1.12 (HL)—Environmental migration

Environmental migration occurs when climate change, drought or land degradation changes safety or livelihoods together with social, economic and political constraints.

Separate sudden-onset floods, droughts, forest fires and intensified storms from slow-onset desertification, sea-level rise and saltwater inundation; then trace housing, work, food, water or safety impacts.

Named example—people have migrated from Tuvalu to New Zealand as sea-level rise and saltwater inundation increase pressure on island homes, freshwater and livelihoods; ability to move still depends on resources and migration rules.

Name the environmental stress, onset timescale, livelihood pathway, origin and destination; avoid claiming one automatic cause.

Not every displaced person is a simple 'climate migrant': environmental pressure is mediated by vulnerability, support and choice.