Understanding, Anticipating and Managing Health Risks Linked to Climate Migration
Veolia Institute Review
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Abstract: This expert interview with political scientist and IPCC lead author François Gemenne explores the health implications of climate-induced migration. Drawing from global case studies and research from the Habitable project, it discusses the multi-layered drivers of climate mobility?from sudden-onset disasters like floods to slow-onset phenomena like drought and soil degradation. Gemenne emphasizes how subjective perceptions of climate risk influence migration decisions more than data alone, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. He details health risks faced by migrants?including disease exposure, poor water/sanitation access, and gender-based violence?highlighting how women's vulnerabilities are shaped by structural inequalities. The interview calls for reframing migration as a proactive adaptation strategy rather than a failure to adapt, and underscores the need to integrate climate, health, and migration into joined-up policymaking and preparedness frameworks.