How does the climate change and migration nexus result in maladaptation?

Abstract

Migration decisions are made within a risky and uncertain environment affected by climate and environmental change as well as market, social, and economic forces. This study sheds light on the characteristics and causes of ineffective migration in the context of climate change and their consequences for maladaptation to climate change effects. It identifies how they undermine local livelihoods and increase the vulnerability of sending and receiving communities. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic review of 89 studies that have discussed issues related to human mobility in the face of climate change and maladaptation. The results are presented in three parts: the migrant households, destination communities, and the origin communities (which include migrants’ households left behind and trapped populations). This review explains how climate-influenced migration can lead to persistent poverty, food insecurity, increased inequality, exclusion, and isolation due to poverty, insufficient income, remittances, low skills and education, unequal access to rights, and language barriers. This study contributes to the literature by providing a clearer understanding of the dark side of migration in the context of the climate change and adaptation nexus. It can help policymakers and planners make better-informed decisions about managing climate-induced migrations. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.