The Impact of Climate Change: Migration and Cities in South America

Cities – particularly megacities – are becoming focal points for climate change impacts. Rapid urbanization, accelerating demand for housing, resource supplies and social and health services, place pressure on already stretched physical, social and regulatory infrastructure, heightening risks and vulnerability. In South America, internal migration flows – as well as immigration – are mostly to cities. Migrants, notably those of low socioeconomic status, are often particularly vulnerable as they are more likely to reside in areas at risk of environmental hazards. They are also likely to lack local knowledge, networks and assets, and are, therefore, less prepared to cope with, and avoid, the impacts of these hazards.

Understanding the dynamics between migration and cities is an important priority of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Organization´s 2014 World Migration Report and upcoming Ministerial-level conference will be devoted to migrants and cities. This article highlights some of the recent processes linking population mobility, urban settlements and environmental change, including climate change in South America.

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