ReliefWeb

Introduction

Although increasingly recognised as a major driver of displacement globally, the impact of environmental change on migration and displacement remains underexplored in the Middle East. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) estimates that an average of at least 25.4 million people are displaced by ‘disasters triggered by natural hazards’ each year, a number that is expected to increase. While multiple analyses have linked climate change to the conflict in Syria, further study is needed to understand the complex relationships between environmental issues and migration in the region.

This briefing paper presents an overview of the available research and data on migration and displacement as they relate to changes in the environment, and climate, of countries in the Middle East. By outlining the current dialogue surrounding environmental migration and displacement as well as the scale of current and predicted future trends, the paper highlights the understudied nature of this phenomenon in the Middle East. It concludes with suggestions to increase the awareness and preparedness of governments, humanitarian, and development actors in the face of environmental change in the region. Produced by the Mixed Migration Platform (MMP), this briefing paper is the third in a series of studies examining specific issues pertinent to migration to, from and within the Middle East.