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To relocate or not: Climate-induced migration dynamics in the context of adaptation and intervention

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  • Chen, Xiangpo

Abstract

The world is witnessing increasing trends in human mobility and climate change. This study reconsiders the relationship between climate change and population mobility using 22 years of panel data from 57,724 counties. Using a sophisticated model that integrates interactions between a flexible time function and various socioeconomic characteristics, the analysis revealed that climate change significantly drives population outflows. Furthermore, the dynamic analysis of time-varying tendency revealed that population mobility varied depending on the intensity of climate shocks. Mild climate shocks can trigger a “self-restoring” process within the social system, while more severe shocks necessitate critical policy interventions. These findings underscore the urgent need for long-term climate adaptation strategies, particularly in underdeveloped and highly vulnerable regions worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Xiangpo, 2025. "To relocate or not: Climate-induced migration dynamics in the context of adaptation and intervention," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:148:y:2025:i:c:s0140988325004621
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eneco.2025.108635
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • P23 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Factor and Product Markets; Industry Studies; Population
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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