Global Centre for Climate Mobility

Why do we run this program?

As the climate crisis escalates, more places will see extreme weather, including heat, storms, floods, and droughts that disrupt people’s lives and livelihoods. Gradual shifts in the environment could change where plants grow, animals range, and pathogens flourish. The impacts will be most acutely felt in the regions that have least contributed to global warming, and where people have few resources and limited capacity to adapt. Countries and communities need to prepare for a warming climate and environmental changes with profound human consequences. Some people will leave areas adversely impacted by climate risks to find shelter, jobs, and opportunities elsewhere – and to support those who stay behind. Others may be reluctant to leave their homes and sever ties with their land, community, and heritage. On a hotter planet, people are likely to face risks, whether they stay or move. Creating opportunities for safe mobility that protects the agency of people and integrity of communities can help reduce risks and strengthen resilience in the face of climate shocks and stresses.

Who organizes and supports the program?

The Robert Bosch Foundation has been a strategic partner of the GCCM since its inception and supports several regional initiatives, in particular the Africa Climate Mobility Initiative and the Rising Nations Initiative in the Pacific.

How does the project work?

The GCCM produces knowledge, builds consensus, and brokers partnerships across sectors, stakeholders, and levels of governance to anticipate, plan for and address climate mobility. It aims to promote the agency of people and communities at the frontline of the climate crisis, who are on the move, face forced displacement, or risk becoming stranded. The GCCM advances its mission through regional initiatives in climate-vulnerable regions across the globe, these efforts are pressed forward with relevant regional organizations, including in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Middle East. These efforts are also supported by the GCCM’s Knowledge Hub and Solutions Lab. The Knowledge Hub drives innovative research, policy development, climate literacy, and action with the global Community of Practice and partners across regions. The Solutions Lab enables and advances GCCM flagship efforts, including on green skills and water solutions, with academic and research partners, solution-makers & entrepreneurs, and frontline communities.

Where is the project taking place?

The GCCM realizes its vision through local initiatives, such as the Rising Nations Initiative in the Pacific. These local initiatives work in regions of the world that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Relevant regional organizations in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Middle East support these efforts.These efforts are complemented by the GCCM's Knowledge Hub and Solutions Lab. The Knowledge Hub drives innovative research, policy development and climate expertise with the global community of practice and partners in the regions. The Solutions Lab advances GCCM's landmark projects, such as green skills and water supply, through collaborations with academic and research partners, experts and entrepreneurs, and grassroots communities.

What are the project goals?

The GCCM aims to promote the agency of people and communities at the frontline of the climate crisis, who are on the move, face forced displacement, or risk becoming stranded. Through a whole-of-society and evidence-based approach, we enable people-centered adaptation journeys and support people’s ability to stay, migrate, or relocate in dignity.