Introducing the Climate Migration Collaborative
“The planetary nature of humanity’s crisis can feel overwhelming, and our situation hopeless. It is not… Uncertainty stops us planning, preparing, and even looking too far into the future… [We must find] the courage to envision a different way of being human”
Gaia Vince, Nomad Century
It is abundantly clear that humans (particularly those living in industrial economies) have caused huge harm to Earth, and we are already experiencing significant climatic and societal shifts as a result. This will have - and indeed is already having - significant implications for how and where all of Earth’s inhabitants are able to survive and thrive.
One of the most well-established strategies we have had throughout our history as humans to deal with such crises is to migrate. This inextricable link, between climate change and migration, is at the core of the emergent work of the Climate Migration Collaborative. Taking such a long-term, holistic, global perspective is important. This is why we are sharing some of the thinking that led us to this point; we hope you’ll help shape our next steps. By subscribing to this Substack, you’ll be first to hear what we’re up to and how you can join the conversation.
We’ll write more, in future posts, on how and why climate-linked migration happens, and the historic precedents shaping it, drawing on a wealth of insights from migrants’ rights perspectives, racial justice movements, climate science commentators and more. For now, let’s say we are clear that climate justice, migrant justice and racial justice are irrevocably interconnected. Working across these intersections is the only way to navigate a just transition to a better world, and we are committed to continuing to learn, explore and educate ourselves around this.
We dream of a society that recognises our shared right to live in a safe climate and in healthy environments alongside our right to migrate, this being a crucial adaptation strategy in the face of climate change. By catalysing transformative cross-sector action, amplifying diverse narratives and spotlighting models of social infrastructure that connect and disrupt, we seek to build equitable and welcoming communities that embrace people who have migrated while promoting sustainable, just, and inclusive policies and practices for all.
As we embark on this journey, we invite you to be a part of it. Whether you are a community leader, researcher, activist, or just someone passionate about creating a better world, your voice and perspective matter.
The question that underpins this project is: As our climate drastically shifts, and people migrate - both by choice and through displacement - how might we catalyse collaboration across sectors to put justice at the centre of society’s approach to climate change and migration?
We hope that this project will evolve into a collaborative enquiry, drawing people and organisations in across a wide range of sectors and disciplines, and we’re excited to know that some of those who we’ve imagined around the table with us are already keen to be involved (more on that to come later).
For now, thank you for taking the time to explore our vision and join this conversation. We’ll share more updates, invite feedback, and highlight emerging collaborations in the coming weeks. We encourage you to stay connected, share your thoughts, and consider joining future events or projects we may be working on. Your ideas and insights are crucial as we refine our approach and build momentum.
Thank you so much for coming on this journey with us - and please do keep in touch by subscribing to this Substack!