ABSTRACT
Vulnerability to climate change is highly uneven in society because it is determined by underlying social structures. Pat of the vulnerability of society to the impacts of climate change is the risk of involuntary displacement from place of residence. Such displacement risks have been shown to be increasing due to changes in climate that increase the incidence or severity of extreme weather events such as wildfire, floods, storm surges and drought. Migration flows, involving permanent relocation of residence, are also directly affected by climate change as the impacts of a changing climate are manifest in altered landscapes and economic comparative advantage of regions in both source and destination areas. Migration is a rational and often effective means of adapting to such changing circumstances, but evidence suggests that current migration flows alter patterns of vulnerability when destination areas, especially in growing cities, are themselves subject to climate risks. Policy interventions to deliberately relocate individuals and communities in the face of climate risks have significant challenges in terms of their outcomes and legitimacy of process.
