Environmental change and migration in developing countries

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.