Climate-Induced Migration in India and Bangladesh: A Systematic Review of Drivers, Impacts, and Adaptation Mechanisms

Abstract

Climate-induced migration has emerged as a major concern in India and Bangladesh, due to their geographical vulnerability and socioeconomic conditions. Coastal areas, such as the Sundarbans and the Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta, face relentless threats due to rising sea levels, cyclones, and floods. These factors force millions to relocate, resulting in rural–urban transitions and cross-border movements that worsen urban challenges and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. For this, a systematic literature review of the Scopus database was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A detailed review analysis of 65 papers was carried out. The study highlighted key climatic and non-climatic drivers of migration, including natural disasters, resource depletion, poverty, and poor governance. Despite existing adaptation strategies, such as early warning systems, micro-insurance, and climate-resilient practices, gaps remain in addressing long-term resilience and legal recognition for climate migrants. The research emphasizes the need for a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach, integrating adaptive infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and international cooperation. Recommendations include bridging research gaps, increasing community participation, and implementing global frameworks, like the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. Addressing climate migration through fair, inclusive measures is essential for building resilience and ensuring long-term development in the region.

1. Introduction

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the global community, with severe negative impacts on the ecosystem [1]. Estimates suggest that by the end of the century, climate change could force nearly 200 million people to migrate due to natural disasters [2]. Coastal and riverine communities are vulnerable, as rising sea levels, cyclones, and floods increasingly threaten their homes and livelihoods [3]. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an average of 21.5 million people are forcibly displaced each year by weather-related events, while the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) reports that weather-related disasters force an average of 21.8 million people to flee their homes every year [4,5]. Changes in the environment have also had an impact on socioeconomic patterns. Further, temperature alterations and precipitation patterns affect agriculture, resulting in crop failures [6]. This contributes to a heightened climate risk.

Climate risk refers to the vulnerability of people, communities, and ecosystems to climate-related hazards, such as rising sea levels, droughts leading to crop failure, and extreme weather events causing property damage and loss of life [7]. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report defines climate risk as follows: “Climate risk involves the likelihood of climate-related hazards occurring and their potential impacts on natural and human systems. It is a function of the exposure and vulnerability of a system to those hazards, as well as its adaptative capacity to respond” [8].

As more people are forced to move because of the changing climate, it is important to understand the terms used to describe them. ‘Climate Migrants’ or ‘Environmental Refugees’ are people who move because of changes in the environment caused by climate change, like floods, droughts, or rising sea levels [1]. ‘Displaced persons’ is a term for people who are forced to leave their homes for many reasons, including war, violence, or natural disasters [9].

South Asia is particularly vulnerable to climate-induced displacement due to its diverse geography. India and Bangladesh face severe migration pressures due to rising sea levels, cyclones, and floods [10]. The Maldives faces an existential threat, with projections suggesting that rising sea levels could make much of its territory uninhabitable within the country [11]. Similar displacement patterns can be observed worldwide, reinforcing the urgent need for coordinated global action. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines experiences frequent and severe typhoons, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels, leading to large-scale displacement [12]. In the Pacific, Fiji has already begun relocating entire communities as rising sea levels threaten coastal settlements, while small island nations such as Kiribati and Tuvalu face severe threats, with coastal erosion and freshwater shortages impacting daily lives and livelihoods [13,14].

In Sub-Saharan Africa, prolonged droughts and desertification, particularly in the Sahel region, are driving migration and heightening competition for scarce resources, sometimes leading to conflict. Similarly, in Latin America, shifting rainfall patterns, hurricanes, and extreme weather events are forcing rural populations to move to urban centers, exacerbating housing shortages and economic insecurity [15,16].

The main drivers of migration fall into two categories: climate drivers and non-climate drivers. Climatic drivers can be both sudden and slow. Slow changes include sea-level rise, salinization of land, desertification, and increased water scarcity, while sudden climatic drivers include hazards like floods, glacial lake outbursts, storms, and cyclones [17]. These forces make areas uninhabitable, pushing people to migrate. Non-climatic drivers, such as natural and man-made disasters, are equally important. A natural hazard only becomes a ‘natural disaster’ if a community is unprepared for its consequences, such as when there is no early warning systems or when there are poorly-built houses [18]. Therefore, a community’s vulnerability depends on exposure to climatic conditions and its adaptive capacity. People are on the move due to these challenges other than migration due to climate change.

The term “climate migration” is widely used in academic and policy discussions, but its distinctiveness remains debated [19]. Some argue that labeling migrants as “climate migrants” oversimplifies their situation by ignoring structural inequalities and governance failures [20]. The challenge is to recognize climate change as a migration driver while acknowledging the broader economic, social, and political factors [21].

The debates on climate refugees have evolved since the 1970s to the present day, becoming a central topic in security discourses related to environmental problems [22]. The term “environmental refugees” was first used by Lester Brown in 1970. He highlighted the plight of people displaced due to environmental degradation [23]. In 1985, Essam-El-Hinnawi of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defined “environmental refugees” as people forced to leave their traditional habitat, temporarily or permanently, because of a marked environmental disruption [24]. By the mid-1990s, reports suggested that 25 million people had been displaced by environmental disruptions, surpassing those displaced by war [25]. At the time, it was declared that these “environmental refugees”, as they were called, exceeded all documented refugees from war and political persecution put together [26].

Despite this growing crisis, environmental migrants do not qualify as “refugees” under the 1951 Refugee Convention [27]. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other concerned agencies agree that terms such as “environmental refugee” or “climate refugee” are misleading, have no legal basis in international refugee law, and should be avoided to prevent undermining the existing legal protection framework for refugees [28]. To address this gap, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has advanced the working definition of environmental migrants, which was put forward at the 94th IOM Council in 2007: “Environmental migrants are persons or groups of persons who, predominantly for reasons of sudden or progressive changes in the environment that adversely affect their lives or living conditions, are obliged to leave their homes or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently, and who move either within their country or abroad” [29]. This definition captures the broad scope of climate-induced displacement and highlights the necessity of addressing these migration patterns through legal and policy frameworks.

The Global South is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, with India and Bangladesh being two of the most at-risk countries [30]. According to the World Risk Index 2024, India ranks third, with a risk index score of 40.96%, while Bangladesh ranks ninth, with a score of 27.73 [31]. Both countries face multiple climate hazards, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, cyclones, etc. Bangladesh, with nearly 80% of its land classified as floodplain, experiences recurring floods and storm surges that threaten millions of people annually [32]. India, with its vast 7500 km coastline, is frequently impacted by cyclones, particularly in the Bay of Bengal [33]. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified these two countries as climate migration hotspots [34]. The Sundarbans, a shared ecosystem between India and Bangladesh, is at risk from rising sea levels, endangering biodiversity and human settlements [33]. The Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta, shared by both countries, is one of the most fertile agricultural zones, having extensive agriculture due to its nutrient-rich alluvial soil and abundant water. However, it faces threats from sea-level rise and floods [35]. The socio-economic implications of climate-induced migration in these countries are severe. Rural populations, heavily reliant on agriculture and fisheries, face repeated climate shocks, leading to food insecurity and economic instability [36]. This drives large-scale migration to urban centers, such as Dhaka, Kolkata, and Mumbai, which are already struggling with overpopulation, water shortages, and inadequate housing infrastructure [37]. Many migrants are forced to settle in informal settlements, often located in flood-prone or disaster-vulnerable areas, further worsening the risks. Despite these challenges, the legal frameworks in both India and Bangladesh remain inadequate in addressing climate migration [38]. Migrants often lack formal recognition and access to social protection programs, leaving them in precarious living and working conditions [39].

Recognizing the need for financial support in addressing these policy gaps, global leaders at COP27 in 2022 agreed to establish the Loss and Damage Fund to help vulnerable nations [40]. The fund was officially operationalized at COP28 in 2023, marking a significant milestone in climate finance [41]. As climate-induced migration intensifies, coordinated global action is essential to mitigate displacement impacts and enhance resilience in affected communities.

Considering the research gaps identified, the objectives of this study are:

(1)

Describe the status of climate-induced migration and challenges.

(2)

Map the current policy frameworks of climate change migration in India and Bangladesh.

(3)

Evaluate existing adaptation strategies employed by affected communities and their usefulness in reducing migration caused by climate change.

2. Materials and Methods

This study employed a systematic literature review approach to analyze climate change-induced migration in India and Bangladesh. The Scopus database was accessed on 14 June 2024 to collect relevant academic data. The review process adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure a structured approach. The Boolean string used was: TITLE-ABS-KEY (“Climat*” AND “Change” AND “Human” OR “People” AND “Migration” OR “Refugee” OR “Displacement” OR “Mobility” AND “South Asia” OR “India” OR “Bangladesh” AND “Vulnerability” OR “Loss and Damage” OR “Disaster” OR “Adaptation” OR “Mitigation” OR “Impact”). The publication date range was set from 1985–2024, and the search was limited to articles in the English language. Retrieved articles were downloaded and manually screened for two criteria: 1. full text should be available and 2. relevance of the text based on the abstract. Finally, shortlisted articles were used for analyzing the following key elements: (1) Trend analysis of the spatio-temporal variation in highlighting climate-induced migration in contemporary scientific literature in India and Bangladesh, (2) analysis of key drivers and policy responses to climate-induced migration, and (3) existing adaptation measures to address this issue.

The results of the literature search using the PRISMA guidelines are shown in Figure 1. Initially, 319 papers were retrieved from the Scopus database based on the defined search query. A thorough manual screening process was carried out for 319 articles to identify those aligned with the predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 65 articles were found to match the specified inclusion criteria. Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. Book chapters, conference papers, and reports were excluded from further analysis.

3. Results

3.1. Trend Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Variation in Highlighting Climate-Induced Migration in Contemporary Scientific Literature

As shown in Figure 2, all papers matching the inclusion criteria were published between the years 2010 and 2024. The number of articles published per year increased after 2010, with a slight decrease in 2012 and 2013, followed by a sharp increase in 2021, the year with the highest number of publications. This increase aligns with the growing awareness of climate migration, driven by the intensity of extreme weather events and advancements in global climate policies. Climate change, while recognized as an environmental concern, was not yet understood as a significant driver of human migration in South Asia.

Governments and institutions in the region focused more on economic development, poverty alleviation, and addressing immediate natural disasters rather than exploring the long-term impacts of climate change. The concept of “climate refugees” was still emerging, and research mainly focused on impacts such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and adaptation in developed countries. However, the Paris Agreement signed in 2015 set a global framework for addressing climate change, which led to increased focus on climate migration, adaptation strategies, and the need to secure vulnerable populations from displacement. Subsequent publications reflected a growing understanding of the linkage between climate-induced hazards and migration, emphasizing the vulnerability of India and Bangladesh. Furthermore, the release of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C in 2018 highlighted the dire risks of climate change for vulnerable populations, increasing the focus on migration as an adaptation response. The spike in publications in 2021 can be attributed to a combination of significant climate events and international negotiations. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as Cyclone Amphan in 2020, which displaced millions in India and Bangladesh, underscored the immediate need for research and policy interventions.

The increasing intensity of disasters, along with their severe socio-economic impacts, brought migration issues to the forefront of global discourse. The focus on climate-induced displacement during UNFCCC conferences, such as COP26 in 2021, highlighted the urgency of integrating migration into adaptation frameworks. This period also saw the operationalization of the Taskforce on Displacement under the UNFCCC, aiming to provide policy recommendations for managing climate-induced migration, which further spurred academic interest.

In terms of geographic focus, 60 out of the 65 publications focused on Bangladesh, while the remaining 5 focused on India. The results of the study locations are depicted in a graph (Figure 3). Studies have found that extreme weather events, such as cyclones and floods, have become more frequent in Bangladesh; while they used to occur once a year, they now happen every three to four months, severely disrupting people’s lives. For example, Cyclone Bhola struck in 1970, claiming the lives of 300,000 people in low-lying areas.

3.2. Analysis of Key Drivers and Policy Responses to Climate-Induced Migration

Climate-induced migration in India and Bangladesh is driven by a combination of environmental and socio-economic factors. The systemic literature review identified climatic drivers, such as cyclones, floods, and sea-level rise, as the primary causes of displacement. However, the extent of migration and the vulnerability of affected populations are significantly shaped by socioeconomic conditions and governance frameworks. In Bangladesh, extreme weather events now occur every three to four months, severely disrupting agricultural activities and livelihoods [42]. Storm surges and cyclones emerge as severe climate stressors, occurring with increased frequency and intensity. Coastal communities in the Sundarbans and the Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta are particularly affected by rising sea levels, which degrade arable land and contaminate drinking water sources [43]. In India, states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam face significant climate risks due to recurrent cyclones and floods, which affect agricultural productivity and water availability [44].

The Himalayan regions also experience vulnerabilities like glacial melting and landslides, which destroy homes and agricultural lands, pushing mountain communities towards urban centers in search of stability [45]. However, migration is rarely a direct response to environmental factors alone. Socioeconomic inequalities and governance gaps significantly shape the migration experience, worsening the vulnerabilities of displaced populations [46]. In India and Bangladesh, rural populations reliant on subsistence agriculture are the most affected, as crop failures or water scarcity intensify food insecurity [47]. When these communities are forced to migrate, they end up in overcrowded urban areas with limited access to services.

Despite the frequency and severity of displacement, there is little institutional support for affected populations, leaving many to manage their relocation without state assistance. While disaster management policies exist, they primarily focus on short-term relief rather than long-term adaptation [48]. There is no formal legal recognition of climate migrants in either country, leaving displaced populations without adequate rights [49]. Bangladesh has made progress by integrating climate migration into national strategies, such as the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which acknowledge displacement risks and implement adaptation measures like resilient housing and livelihood diversification [50,51]. However, implementation challenges persist due to funding constraints and governance limitations. In contrast, India’s approach to climate-induced migration remains largely reactive, focusing on post-disaster relief through the Disaster Management Act of 2005 [52]. The Climate Migrants (Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2022 in India seeks to provide legal recognition, protection, and rehabilitation for climate migrants [53]. The absence of a clear legal framework in both countries hinders systematic support for climate migrants and limits their access to essential resources and long-term resettlement opportunities [54].

The analysis of 65 studies revealed that 40 studies primarily focused on cyclones, floods, and sea-level rise as key drivers of climate-induced migration. The findings of the analysis are depicted in Figure 4. A summary of the list of reviewed papers grouped by climate impacts relevant to climate-induced migration is presented in Table S1. The climate drivers presented in Figure 4 highlight the environmental stressors contributing to migration in India and Bangladesh. Rising sea levels render coastal areas uninhabitable by causing land loss and salinization of agricultural fields, forcing communities to relocate. Cyclones and floods result in displacement due to infrastructure damage and loss of livelihoods. Droughts and changing rainfall patterns impact agricultural productivity, pushing people towards urban centers in search of livelihoods. Additionally, glacial melts in the Himalayan region increase flood risks, destabilizing communities. Many displaced populations are forced to settle in high-risk areas, continuing displacement risks rather than resolving risks. Each of these climatic drivers interacts with socioeconomic vulnerabilities, increasing migration pressures. Addressing climate-induced migration requires a paradigm shift from short-term disaster response to long-term policy and providing legal recognition and protection for migrants. This includes establishing national and regional frameworks to formally recognize climate migrants and ensure their rights; strengthening collaboration between climate adaptation, migration governance, and urban planning sectors; and enhancing economic opportunities in climate-affected areas. A proactive approach is crucial to mitigating climate-induced migration in India and Bangladesh, ensuring both adaptation and protection for vulnerable populations.

3.3. Existing Adaptation Measures to Address This Issue

Various adaptation measures have been adopted to address the pressing issue of climate-induced migration in South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh. These adaptation measures were categorized into four measures: vertical and horizontal coordination between different institutions/governing bodies, insurance mechanisms/micro-credits, role of local players (NGOs and CBOs), and social bonding and support and early warning systems. In addition, other adaptation strategies employed by people were also discussed. The outcomes of these adaptation strategies are illustrated in Figure 5.

Vertical and horizontal coordination among government bodies, NGOs, and local communities plays a crucial role, though challenges such as corruption and lack of synergy often hinder their effectiveness [36]. Policies such as the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Climate Migrants (Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2022 have been introduced to strengthen institutional responses, but their implementation remains inconsistent due to funding limitations.

In terms of grassroots strategies, affected populations have employed a range of adaptive practices. These include cultivating flood-resistant crops, engaging in sustainable agriculture, and rearing livestock [55,56]. Communities have also constructed elevated homes to withstand flooding and cyclones [57]. Early warning systems have been implemented in both India and Bangladesh, enabling communities to evacuate before disaster strikes, thereby reducing loss of life and property [58].

Financial mechanisms such as microfinance, insurance, and social safety nets have been introduced to enhance community resilience. In Bangladesh, microfinance institutions like BRAC and Grameen Bank provide small loans to vulnerable households, helping them invest in adaptive livelihood strategies [59]. Similarly, in India, various government schemes aim to provide financial aid to disaster-affected populations, though accessibility remains an issue, particularly for marginalized groups [33]. Social networks and community-based organizations play a significant role in facilitating migration as an adaptation strategy by providing information, financial support, and shelter to displaced individuals. Despite these efforts, several challenges persist in ensuring long-term resilience. Many adaptation measures remain localized and reactive rather than proactive, addressing immediate climate impacts but failing to build sustainable solutions. The absence of legal recognition for climate migrants in India and the informal employment status of many migrants in Bangladesh often worsen their vulnerabilities, making it difficult for them to secure stable livelihoods in urban areas. Overall, while existing adaptation strategies have helped mitigate some impacts of climate change, their effectiveness in reducing climate-induced migration remains limited. There is a need for a more integrated, long-term approach that combines policy interventions with community-driven solutions. Strengthening institutional coordination, expanding financial inclusion, improving infrastructure, and ensuring legal recognition for climate migrants are crucial steps towards enhancing adaptive capacity and reducing migration.

4. Discussion

The findings from this research underscore the complexity and multi-dimensional nature of climate-induced migration in India and Bangladesh. The impacts of climate change are profound and multifaceted, affecting the region’s ecological balance, agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic stability. These consequences are driving millions of people to move, not only within their countries but also across borders, making migration a critical issue for both local and global policy.

A key takeaway from the literature review is the uneven geographic focus of research, with Bangladesh dominating the discourse on climate migration. This is expected, given Bangladesh’s extreme vulnerability to climate events like cyclones, floods, and sea-level rise [60]. The Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta and the Sundarbans highlight severe climate risks faced by coastal populations. For instance, residents of the island of Kutubdia have seen half their landmass submerged over the last 50 years, leading to mass relocations to cities such as Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong [61]. Similarly, in Satkhira, families who lost agricultural livelihoods to saltwater intrusion have migrated to Dhaka, where they often find work in low-paying informal sectors [62].

Climate migration in India presents a complex scenario that remains underrepresented in literature. The northeastern states of Assam and West Bengal, as well as coastal regions like Odisha, face significant climate risks due to cyclones, floods, and changing weather patterns [63]. The annual monsoon flooding of the Brahmaputra River displaces thousands in Assam each year, pushing them to urban centers like Guwahati and Kolkata. In Odisha, Cyclone Fani (2019) forced over 1.2 million people into displacement, with many struggling to return due to destroyed homes and livelihoods [63]. The rising frequency of such disasters contributes to long-term displacement rather than temporary migration.

This study also highlights that climate migration is not solely driven by environmental factors. Socioeconomic pressures, such as poverty, unemployment, and the degradation of natural resources, worsen the situation. Many affected populations in both India and Bangladesh rely on agriculture, making them vulnerable to erratic rainfall, water scarcity, and soil degradation. The Global Climate Risk Index 2025 reported that between 1993–2022, the economic losses from climate-related disasters globally amounted to about USD 4.2 trillion, resulting from over 9400 extreme weather events [64]. The release of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C in 2018 further emphasized the heightened risks faced by South Asia [65]. However, despite this growing awareness, current adaptation strategies remain insufficient in providing long-term resilience for vulnerable communities.

Despite the existence of adaptation strategies, gaps remain in ensuring long-term resilience. Bangladesh has implemented micro-insurance schemes and early warning systems that have helped disaster-related mortality [66]. In India, while policy frameworks exist, the lack of legal recognition for climate migrants and limited coordination between governance levels hinder effective adaptation efforts. Unlike refugees recognized under international law, climate migrants have no legal status in either India or Bangladesh, leaving them without protection, resettlement programs, or access to social security benefits, which play crucial roles in mitigating climate migration, yet their effectiveness remains limited.

Despite policy efforts, such as the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) and India’s Disaster Management Act (2005), gaps persist in implementing long-term sustainable solutions. Institutional coordination between government bodies, NGOs, and community-based organizations is critical but often hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and funding constraints. Similarly, financial mechanisms such as microfinance and insurance schemes have provided some resilience, yet accessibility issues remain, particularly for marginalized communities.

Additionally, India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, meaning that it does not have a formal legal framework to recognize climate-induced migrants [27]. In contrast, while Bangladesh acknowledges climate displacement in its policies, such as the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, it lacks a dedicated legal framework to ensure long-term rights for internally displaced climate migrants.

Local adaptation strategies, including flood-resistant agriculture, elevated housing, and early warning systems, have demonstrated success in reducing immediate disaster risks [67]. However, these measures tend to be reactive rather than proactive, failing to address the structural causes of displacement.

A holistic, multi-stakeholder approach is needed to integrate adaptation strategies with national and regional policies. This includes enhancing infrastructure resilience, promoting sustainable livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture, and ensuring the legal protection of climate migrants. Governments must develop integrated policies that align climate adaptation, migration governance, and urban planning efforts. This requires greater collaboration between national and local authorities, as well as partnerships with NGOs and international organizations. The role of social protection programs must be reinforced to ensure economic stability for displaced persons. Developing climate-resilient housing, improving access to clean water and sanitation, and investing in skill development programs can support adaptation. India and Bangladesh must work towards comprehensive policy frameworks that recognize migration as an adaptation strategy rather than the failure of development. South Asian countries should engage in regional cooperation through SAARC and other multilateral platforms to develop joint strategies for managing climate-induced migration. Financial support from international bodies, such as the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP28, should be mobilized for long-term adaptation efforts.

Climate migration should be integrated into broader development agendas, ensuring that migration is not just treated as a crisis response but as a managed adaptation strategy. Enhancing community participation, fostering policy coherence, and strengthening financial support mechanisms are essential to mitigating migration pressures and promoting resilience.

5. Conclusions

Climate-induced migration in India and Bangladesh is a growing crisis driven by a combination of environmental and socio-economic factors. Extreme weather events, such as rising sea levels, cyclones, and floods, are displacing millions, forcing them to migrate. Coastal regions like the Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta and the Sundarbans are among the most vulnerable areas. Migration, often perceived as a last resort, has become a common adaptation strategy for affected populations. This study identifies critical gaps in current policy responses to climate migration. Bangladesh has integrated climate migration into national policies, such as the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), but challenges persist due to financial and governance constraints. India, on the other hand, lacks a clear legal framework for climate migrants. The absence of legal recognition for climate migrants remains a significant gap, leaving many without access to social protection and rehabilitation programs. Adaptation measures, though present, are often reactive rather than proactive. Key strategies include early warning systems, sustainable agricultural practices, and social support networks. While these measures provide some resilience, they fail to address the root causes of displacement. Strengthening institutional coordination and developing climate-resilient infrastructure for vulnerable populations are crucial steps in mitigating displacement. The Loss and Damage Fund, established at COP28, marks a significant step forward, but its effectiveness will depend on how well it is operationalized to support affected communities. This study calls for a paradigm shift in how climate migration is addressed. Rather than treating it solely as a crisis, governments must develop policies that facilitate planned and managed migration. Bridging research gaps, fostering community participation, and integrating climate migration into national and regional policies will be crucial for building long-term resilience. Addressing climate-induced migration is not just a regional necessity but a global imperative, one that demands coordinated efforts and inclusive policies to protect vulnerable populations and ensure a sustainable future.