Intersections of Just Energy Transition and Climate-Induced Migration in India

Start and End Dates: 

December 2024 – April 2026

Introduction to the Project:

Climate change is increasingly exacerbating existing inequities and undermining the resilience of people, places, and systems across India. Human migration is a critical and common adaptation strategy to manage real and perceived climatic and non-climatic risks. However, little is known about the finer contours of climate-induced migration related to phenomena such as rural and urban livelihoods and transitions, urban growth and the capacity of urban areas to incorporate migrants in equitable and sustainable ways, and connections and feedback loops involving consumption, energy, just transition, and climate-resilient development. This project draws on an interdisciplinary team to inclusively and comprehensively understand and address climate-induced migration within India in ways that help promote and ensure goals of equity, resilience, and justice.

Objectives: 

The project builds and utilizes strengths from a diverse consortium and technical advisory committee of experts to shape a research and practice agenda on migration in the context of rapid economic development and climate change in India. To do this we first harness the power of “big data” and complex methods to identify and analyze spatial and statistical overlaps and associations between climate change and migration. Second, we take a people-first view to elucidate the on-the-ground drivers and levers, mechanisms and dynamics, experiences and outcomes that create and sustain climate-induced migration within India.  

Outputs:

• Comprehensive knowledge on climate migration in India that is relevant and useful for diverse stakeholders and audiences
• Forward-looking research agenda on possible just transition futures
• Building a consortium and ecosystem to further evidence-based conversations on climate-resilient migration in and beyond India

Funded By:

Population Council, New York