Migration, health, and climate change
Citation: Mazhin SA, Khankeh H, Farrokhi M, et al. Migration health crisis associated with climate change: A systematic review. Journal of Education and Health Promotion. 2020;9:97.
Language: Abstract and full text available in EN.
Free to view: Yes.
Funding sources: The authors reported that they had no external funding for this review.
What is this: In this systematic review, the authors searched for articles published in English before 2019 that focused on the health effects of migration caused by climate change. They found 20 studies.
What was found: When responses to climate and environmental changes are inadequate, people may lose the ability to live in their homes, which can lead to compulsory displacement, resettlement, and migration. Rural populations may be displaced to urban areas, particularly in developing countries. Migrant populations are prone to health inequalities compared with the host population.
Implications: The authors of the review stated that climate change will likely lead to an increase in the number of refugees and crises in the future. Risk reduction and adaptation strategies can help to improve public health preparedness, build resilience, and reduce vulnerability to climate change. Strategies must include different sectors and public health responses and policies should reflect the nature and demographics of those who migrate. With the implementation of social and environmental adaptation strategies, the health risks associated with climate change-related migration can be significantly reduced.
Other considerations: The authors of the review discussed their findings in the context of socioeconomic status and place of residence.
This summary was prepared by Riwa Deghaim, checked by Grace Meng, and finalized by William Summerskill.