Urban Climate Migration: Challenges, Representations and Inclusion

Summary

The City of Paris is collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Hugo Observatory of the University of Liège in a project to support cities in better understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on migration to and from urban areas in their urban planning efforts and in their climate, reception and integration policies for migrants and displaced persons. The project is part of growing international initiatives, such as those of the Mayors Migration Council (MMC) and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, to guide and accelerate local, national, regional and global responses to climate change and migration in cities, and to support local actors in developing inclusive urban policies. The project has three main objectives: to improve the available knowledge on the impact of climate change on migration to and from cities, to foster the exchange of good practices and experiences between cities, and to support cities in developing inclusive urban policies and towards a fair and sustainable ecological transition. 

Impact

The project should provide the City of Paris with the necessary tools to better understand how climate change will influence migration dynamics on its territory, and to prepare for these changes. The impact of the project will be measured in particular by the taking into account of the recommendations and courses of action formulated within the framework of the project to include considerations relating to migration induced by climate change in the City of Paris' climate and adaptation policies. The impact will also be measured by the establishment of a dialogue between Paris and other cities around the world willing to promote ambitious action to address the challenges of climate change and migration in cities, and by the participation of Paris in initiatives and networks of cities active on these issues. The impact of this IOM-led project will ultimately be measured by its ability to be scaled up and replicated in other cities, with Paris as the pilot city, in partnership with other local governments and city networks.