Social protection as a tool for supporting climate-vulnerable populations by reducing livelihood risks and smoothing consumption is examined in this systematic review.
Drawing on 28 studies, it analyzes how social protection influences migration decisions, experiences, and outcomes in the context of climate change through mechanisms such as cash transfers, public works programs, insurance, and health care.
Three key ways in which social protection policies are linked to climate-related migration are identified: social protection can ease financial barriers to migration as a strategy to manage climate risks, address adverse drivers that may force maladaptive or distress migration, and support those who remain behind in maintaining their livelihoods.
Results highlight the potential of social protection to encourage more positive climate-migration outcomes for policymakers, practitioners, and affected communities.
At the same time, the authors notice important knowledge gaps regarding how social protection can best support vulnerable groups. and further empirical research is called for, especially for the inclusion of social protection in climate and migration policy debates, to support voluntary and planned migration when long-term adaptation is no longer viable.
Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2022.100472
Reference
Silchenko, D., & Murray, U. (2023). Migration and climate change – The role of social protection. Climate Risk Management, 39, 100472