Climate action

IOM has been the lead convening actor on climate mobility for years. Its extensive operational, research, policy and advocacy efforts are implemented on six continents. In line with its mandate, IOM places climate migration at the forefront of international, regional and national discussions, working closely with its Member States, observers and partners. 

Since 2007, IOM Member States have called on the Organization to develop solutions to support people on the move in a changing climate. In 2015, IOM formalized this commitment by being the first United Nations agency to create a global team to support its Member States on this topic.  

In the face of the climate crisis, climate mobility is at the forefront of IOM policy and operational efforts. This is why, in 2021, IOM launched a 10-year Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2021–2030. The Strategy lays out the Organization’s long-term approach to alleviating the suffering of people on the move in the context of climate change, so that individuals can live in dignity and be empowered to be agents of change. 

To implement this Strategy, IOM has created the Climate Mobility Road Map, committing to a holistic approach that drives effective solutions. This framework aims to amplify the voices of affected populations, protect their rights and respect their freedom to choose whether to stay or migrate. IOM prioritizes the needs and concerns of those impacted by climate change, ensuring that their perspectives guide the Organization’s efforts.

Managing climate migration

IOM objectives 

• Finding solutions for people to stay – IOM works to prevent forced migration that results from environmental factors as much as possible. 
• Finding solutions for people on the move – When forced migration does occur, IOM provides assistance and protection to affected populations and seeks durable solutions to their situation. 
• Finding solutions for people to move – IOM facilitates migration in the context of climate change adaptation and enhances the resilience of affected communities. 

Priority areas of engagement 

• Migration policy – IOM supports States and other stakeholders to develop innovative rights-based migration policies and practices that integrate issues of climate change, environmental degradation and disasters. 
• Data and knowledge – IOM strengthens evidence-based policy and operational approaches to addressing climate migration through the production, analysis and dissemination of relevant data and knowledge. 
• Operations – IOM assists States and stakeholders in implementing effective responses to climate migration. This support spans diverse areas, including disaster response, prevention, risk reduction and facilitating access to regular migration pathways. 
• Convening – IOM fosters policy coherence and inclusive partnerships, ensuring that migration and displacement are integrated into agendas related to climate change, environmental and urban issues, disasters and water.