Member of SCNAT

NGB publishes scientific findings and promotes public understanding of science. It offers its members the opportunity for mutual motivation and relationship building. To this end, it organises a series of lectures and excursions and publishes an annual newsletter.more

Image: NASA Earth Observatory, Jesse Allen and Robert Simmonmore

Environmental change and migration in developing countries

a+ Fact Sheet

How do global environmental change and particularly climate change influence migration patterns in developing countries? This question is increasingly receiving attention up to the highest political levels. The present fact sheet summarises state-of-the-art scientific knowledge that can help to find answers, and it assesses how the issue affects Switzerland and its policies on migration, asylum, and development cooperation. Most studies’ findings suggest that Switzerland will not be flooded with masses of environmental refugees. Population movements that are triggered by climatic factors occur mainly across short distances – within states and, to a lesser degree, between neighbouring states. Switzerland’s main challenge is to provide assistance in the countries and regions affected.

a+ Fact Sheet (English): Environmental change and migration in developing countries

Categories

Ce projet des académies suisses des sciences est basé sur les résultats de deux ateliers d’experts, organisés par deux goupes de la SCNAT: KFPE et ProClim-.

This fact sheet is also available in German and English.

English, German, French