Donald G. Herzberg Professor of International Migration, and Director, Institute for the Study of International Migration, Georgetown Universit

As more climate migrants cross borders seeking refuge, laws will need to adapt

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2021-06-09 11:00:09

Donald G. Herzberg Professor of International Migration, and Director, Institute for the Study of International Migration, Georgetown University

Katharine Donato receives funding from the National Science Foundation, and this article is also informed by prior work funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.

Amanda Carrico receives funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. This work was also supported by prior funding from the U.S. Office of Naval Research.

Jonathan M. Gilligan receives funding from The National Science Foundation and this article is also informed by his previous work funded. by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.

Climate change is upending people’s lives around the world, but when droughts, floods or sea level rise force them to leave their countries, people often find closed borders and little assistance.

Part of the problem is that today’s laws, regulations and international agreements about migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees offer few, if any, special protection to those forced to leave because of climate conditions.