Climate Change: Activities of Selected Agencies to Address Potential Impact on Global Migration
Abstract
The effects of climate change, combined with other factors, may alter human migration trends across the globe, according to the International Organization for Migration. For example, climate change can increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, causing populations to move from an area. Climate change can also intensify slow-onset disasters, such as drought, crop failure, or sea level rise, potentially altering longer-term migration trends. GAO was asked to review how U.S. agencies address climate change as a potential driver of global migration. For State, USAID, and DOD, this report (1) describes executive branch actions related to climate change and migration from fiscal years 2014 through 2018; (2) examines the extent to which the agencies discussed the potential effects of climate change on migration in their plans and risk assessments; and (3) describes agency activities on the issue. GAO analyzed documents on administration priorities; reviewed agency plans, risk assessments, and documentation of agency activities; and interviewed agency officials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 17, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1157560
Entities
People
- Aldo Salerno
- Brian Lepore
- David Gootnick
- Judith Williams
- Kristy Williams
- Miranda Cohen
- Miriam C. Fenton
- Nancy Santucci
- Neil Doherty
- Rachel Girshick
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office