Practice Responses to Climigration

Abstract

In this chapter, the three-tier model of climate-related impacts is used to identify health and social services that can potentially prevent, manage, and mitigate the impacts of climate change and climate-related population displacement. It describes how Tier I services can address immediate socioenvironmental needs by developing sustainable communities in areas undergoing environmental changes as well as host communities of displaced climate refugees; how Tier II services can address the potential for social tension and conflict resulting from the differential distribution of resources and arrival of displaced individuals in host communities; and how Tier III services can address health issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, domestic violence, disruptive childhood behavior, and climate-related diseases experienced by displaced populations. The chapter will provide suggestions for community planning for influx of climate refugees, including acquisition and distribution of resources and housing and efforts to develop host communities that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable based on United Nations SDGs. It also describes specific evidence-based programs, practices, and interventions that can be delivered to climate refugees to address physical and mental health, housing, and employment needs.