WG 1: The global context: climate-migration-displacement-health nexus

Climate change affects the health of migrants through multiple, interconnected pathways, depending on geographical and ecological conditions, as well as by political and socio-economic factors. This requires a comprehensive understanding of health vulnerabilities and risks along the migration route. This chapter seeks to answer the question: ‘How does a Whole-of-Route Approach support migrant and displaced population health within and across borders in the context of climate change?’, with the aim to conceptualize a Whole-of-Route Approach (WoRA) for the climate change-migration-health nexus at the global level, and illustrate its practical application through case studies based on literature reviews. The chapter will provide a practical conceptual framing for the WoRA through presenting five key principles, advancing a rights-based, equity-oriented conceptual model that reflects the complex realities of the health of migrant populations in the context of climate change. The WoRA framing emphasizes a continuous and integrated approach to health, along the pre-departure, transit, arrival, and return or resettlement continuum. To demonstrate the operational value of the WoRA, the chapter will include a series of case studies across countries and regions to illustrate the applicability of the WoRA for improving the health of migrants affected by climate change.

Director: Dr Santino Severoni

Coordinator: Dr Sylvia Garry

Contact: garrys@who.int

WG 2: Impacts of Climate Change on Migrant Health and Migration in Europe

As climate change intensifies, it is increasingly shaping migration decisions worldwide, while also exposing migrants to new environmental risks that affect their health and well-being in the destination country. This Working Group examines the specific climate-related health risks faced by migrant populations in Europe and provides novel quantitative evidence on migrants’ exposure and vulnerability to environmental hazards. In addition, the group analyzes how climatic factors influence migration patterns today and, in the future, focusing on international migration towards Europe as well as intra-European movements. The overall goal is to generate a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the climate change–migration–health nexus, assessing health risks for migrants and evaluating the implications of changing migration dynamics for Europe under a warmer climate.

Quantifying exposure to climate-related hazards: In a first step, the Working Group examines differences in migrants’ exposure to climate-related hazards, with a particular focus on extreme heat. Using harmonized data from the most recent European census round (2021), combined with high-resolution spatial climate data, the group will determine where migrants live and systematically assess their exposure to hazardous environmental conditions. A particular focus will be placed on urban environments and risks associated with urban heat island effects. Through the integration of geocoded population data and environmental indicators, the group will identify spatial inequalities in exposure between migrant and non-migrant populations across European regions.

Assessing differential vulnerabilities: In a second step, the Working Group investigates differential vulnerabilities among migrant populations to climate-related risks. The analysis will initially focus on underlying vulnerabilities by assessing migrants’ current health status, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics using a range of harmonized cross-national datasets, including the European Social Survey. This stage concentrates on vulnerability, examining how pre-existing health conditions, socioeconomic disadvantages and structural inequalities shape migrants’ susceptibility to adverse health outcomes. These structural and social determinants are central to understanding differential vulnerability, as they influence individuals’ sensitivity to climate-related health risks and their capacity to cope with environmental stressors. By systematically examining these intersecting dimensions of vulnerability, the Working Group aims to clarify how they contribute to heightened climate-related health risks for migrants and to identify actionable entry points for policy interventions that can reduce vulnerabilities under future climate conditions.

Longitudinal case studies and mechanisms: A third step involves in-depth quantitative case studies from selected European countries using longitudinal microdata. These analyses are designed to bridge the first two steps by linking exposure to climatic risks with pre-existing vulnerabilities and investigating subsequent health outcomes. These analyses will complement the European-wide evidence by providing in-depth insights into climate-related health risks at the individual level. Longitudinal designs will allow the group to examine temporal dynamics, explore potential causal pathways, and better understand the mechanisms underlying differential risks among migrant groups and between migrants and non-migrant populations.

Climate change and migration dynamics: In addition to examining drivers of climate-related health risks, the Working Group will assess quantitative evidence on the implications of climate change for migration patterns towards and within Europe. Particular attention will be given to forced movements, including displacement risks within Europe, which have immediate health and well-being implications for affected populations.

By integrating demographic analysis, spatial data, survey evidence, and longitudinal methods, the Working Group will provide a robust empirical foundation for understanding how climate change, migration, and health interact in Europe and how these dynamics may evolve under future climate change.

Co-coordinators: Prof Raya Muttarak and Dr Roman Hoffmann

Contact: raya.muttarak@unibo.it

WG 3: Unmet migrant health needs in the context of climate change

Background:  The 2024 Europe Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change reports that 2023 has experienced record-breaking global temperatures. According to the report, temperatures are rising at twice the global average in Europe, posing significant health risks to populations and increasing health challenges across the continent. The report highlights that ethnic minority and Indigenous people, low-income communities, migrants and displaced individuals, sexual and gender minorities, and women experiencing pregnancy and childbirth are among the most vulnerable groups to the effects of climate change. There is also a pressing need for robust research to understand the unequal impacts of climate change.

Aim: This sub report aims to collect and compile information on the health needs of migrants in Europe as influenced by climate change. Our goal is to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the health needs of migrant populations, as emphasized in the 2024 Europe report of the Lancet Countdown.

Methods: To assess climate-induced issues, we utilize 14 out of 42 indicators from the 2024 Europe Lancet Countdown. These indicators track the impacts, exposures, and vulnerabilities of rising temperatures, extreme weather events, climate-sensitive infectious diseases, allergens, and food insecurity. We aim to compile findings from scientific articles that discuss how these indicators affect the health and health needs of European migrants, incorporating the social determinants of health in our analysis. We will conduct a scoping review to search the literature. Additionally, we will examine case studies of vulnerable groups in those parts of Europe that are worst impacted by climate change. A survey of key stakeholders at the intersection of health needs, migration, and climate change may also be included.

Results: A summary of the findings thus far from the Working Group will be presented, with a special emphasis on the mental health needs of migrants and the potential of digital interventions to address these needs.

Co-coordinators: Dr Shervin Shahnavaz, Professor Ozge Karadag, Professor Amirhossein Takian

Contact: shervin.shahnavaz@ki.se

WG 4: Adaptation strategies and responses to the effects of climate change on migrants’ health in Europe

This Working Group aims to gather anecdotal evidence from the WHO European Region on strategies, policy and practical responses that address the health of migrants subject to climate change in the region. The group is conducting country-level desk reviews as well as a qualitative study targeting academics, NGOs, civil society, UN agencies and governments, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Co-coordinators: Dr Shilpa Rao and Professor Karl Blanchet

Contact: rosemary.james@unige.ch