Global environmental change: adaptation options for small island states

The next 50 years will see a rapidly growing global population. Demands for food, water, energy, jobs and other issues will grow as well. At the same time, particular climate change may lead to degradation of available resources, such as land and fresh water, while sea-level rise threatens coastal communities. These developments could impact current global migration patterns and create new incentives to migrate.

The UK Government Office for Science initiated a project on 'Global Environmental Migration'. The project will explore the global patterns and impacts of migration over the next 50 years arising from environmental changes, as well as the challenges they may produce. As part of the project, adelphi has been contracted by the Office to produce a review on the policy options available for small island states, including migration.