Tuesday, February 11, 2025
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Cities welcoming the first climate migrants with open arms

Preparing Cities for Climate Migration: Lessons from Bangladesh and Beyond

Climate change is a pressing issue that is affecting countries all over the world, and Bangladesh is no exception. With almost four million Bangladeshis being uprooted from their homes by extreme weather in 2020, cities like Mongla and Khulna are taking proactive steps to prepare for climate migrants. These cities are being redesigned as refuges, providing jobs and resilient green infrastructure to ease the burden on the capital city of Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by its geography and expanding population. As a result, the country is not the only one thinking about how its cities can play a role in addressing climate migration. By 2050, an estimated 25 million to one billion people globally will be on the move due to extreme conditions related to climate change. Cities will be the final destination for most of these migrants, presenting both challenges and opportunities for urban transformation.

In response to this growing need, cities around the world are developing mechanisms to address climate migration. The Mayors Migration Council, formed by a coalition of ten cities including Los Angeles, Bristol, and Milan, aims to help city leaders translate international refugee and migration policies into action at the local level. This will benefit both the municipalities and the newcomers seeking refuge.

Different cities are approaching the issue of climate migration in various ways. Some are studying the terrain to prepare for climate displacement, while others are focusing on ensuring equity for migrants by redesigning housing and transport systems and diversifying job opportunities. In post-industrial cities looking for an economic boost, climate migrants represent a significant opportunity for revitalization.

Cities like Buffalo in New York State and Anchorage in Alaska are positioning themselves as climate refuges, taking steps to make their areas appealing to future migrants seeking to escape extreme weather conditions. Anchorage, in particular, is focusing on boosting migrant inclusion through language programs, equitable access to transportation, and matching newcomers’ skills with available jobs.

Migrants themselves bring a unique capacity for urban transformation, as they have lived through shocks and stresses that can contribute to building resilience in cities. Recognizing and harnessing these skills can benefit the cities that welcome them. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, cities must continue to adapt and innovate to accommodate and support climate migrants in the years to come.

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