The impacts of climate change are not borne equally, and their effects on human mobility are not felt in the same ways by all. Pre-existing inequalities can be deepened by climate hazards and migration, and vulnerable and marginalized groups can be exposed to new challenges and factors of exclusion, while having limited resilience and adaptation capacities.  

Human mobility should be an integral part of the global efforts to drive action to address climate change. When safe and regular, migration can be an effective form of adaptation to climate impacts. However, it must be a choice, and the adverse effects of climate change affect people’s right to make that choice, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized groups. This right to choose is at the heart of climate justice. 

Towards this effort, equity and human rights need to be put at the core of decision-making and action on climate change and human mobility. Measures taken on this topic need to consider the underlying social inequalities that shape levels of vulnerability. Furthermore, they need to include the participation of the whole society, including, women, youth, indigenous peoples, migrants, displaced persons and affected communities to decision-making processes related to climate change and migration.