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Prioritizing involuntary immobility in climate policy and disaster planning

Author

Listed:
  • Lisa Thalheimer

    (International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis
    United Nations University)

  • Fabien Cottier

    (Columbia University)

  • Andrew Kruczkiewicz

    (Columbia University
    University of Twente)

  • Carolynne Hultquist

    (University of Canterbury)

  • Cascade Tuholske

    (Montana State University
    Montana State University)

  • Hélène Benveniste

    (Stanford University)

  • Jan Freihardt

    (ETH Zürich)

  • Mona Hemmati

    (Columbia University)

  • Pui Man Kam

    (ETH Zürich)

  • Narcisa G. Pricope

    (Mississippi State University)

  • Jamon Hoek

    (Oregon State University)

  • Andrew Zimmer

    (Montana State University)

  • Alex Sherbinin

    (Columbia University)

  • Radley M. Horton

    (Columbia University
    Columbia University)

Abstract

Globally, populations are increasingly located in areas at high risk of climate change impacts. Some populations lack the agency to move out of harm’s way, leading to involuntary immobility. The climate risks these populations face are insufficiently addressed in climate policy and disaster planning. While policy and planning should be data-informed, the lack of appropriate data should not limit governments and institutions from taking action to reduce the risk of involuntary immobility. Incorporating involuntary immobility within the broader sustainable development goals of climate action and safe, orderly, and regular migration may substantially reduce the risk of involuntary immobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Thalheimer & Fabien Cottier & Andrew Kruczkiewicz & Carolynne Hultquist & Cascade Tuholske & Hélène Benveniste & Jan Freihardt & Mona Hemmati & Pui Man Kam & Narcisa G. Pricope & Jamon Hoek & And, 2025. "Prioritizing involuntary immobility in climate policy and disaster planning," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57679-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57679-9
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