Climate Migration: Drivers, Adaptation, and Governance Evidence

Kakembo Aisha Annet

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

                                                                                 ABSTRACT
Climate migration has emerged as one of the most significant consequences of climate change, driven by a complex interaction of environmental, economic, social, and political factors. This paper examines the key drivers of climate migration, including environmental degradation, extreme weather events, livelihood disruptions, and governance challenges. It explores the ways in which climate-induced mobility manifests through displacement, planned relocation, and adaptive migration strategies. The study further analyzes adaptation pathways aimed at enhancing resilience, reducing vulnerability, and supporting affected populations through both relocation and non-relocation measures. Particular attention is given to the governance of climate migration, highlighting the roles of international cooperation, national policy frameworks, local institutions, and community participation in managing climate-related mobility. Drawing on evidence from coastal regions, inland floodplains, and arid and droughtprone areas, the paper demonstrates that climate migration is not solely an environmental phenomenon but a multidimensional development and governance challenge. The findings underscore the need for integrated policies that combine climate adaptation, sustainable development, and human mobility management. Strengthening resilience at the local level, improving data systems, and fostering collaborative governance are essential for addressing the growing impacts of climate change on migration and ensuring the protection and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Climate Migration, Climate Change Adaptation, Human Mobility, Environmental Governance and Resilience Building.

CITE AS: Kakembo Aisha Annet (2026). Climate Migration: Drivers, Adaptation, and Governance Evidence. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW, COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES, 6(2):26-34
https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJLCL/2026/6.2.2634