Natolin Academy of Migration Nest

Mentor: Dr Patrycja SASNAL

Focus of the Nest in 2022-2023: Migration and climate 

Displacement as a result of climate change is a growing phenomenon both in scale and challenge. The climate crisis may soon be the first and most important push factor of migration, overpowering political and demographic ones. Climate migration or climate change-induced migration ranges from mobility as a proactive adaptation tactic to forced displacement, and it may occur within or across international borders. According to forecasting models, climate change may lead to nearly 3% of the population (ca. 143 million people) in three regions – Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America – to move within their country of origin by 2050 (U.S. Government Report on the Impact of Climate Change on Migration, October 2021).

Climate migration is also a distinct process, different from other kinds of forced displacement, and it necessitates a closer focus and analysis. The European Union, which is a major destination of migration in general and neighbours the global south – a region most vulnerable to the climate crisis – needs and will need to cope with climate displacement in the near future politically, economically and socially.

The learning objectives for the students are the following: 

  • exploring a crosscutting topic of social and political importance in Europe,
  • understanding the nexus between the environment and politics,
  • and gaining innovative expertise of practical importance in planning future careers.