Impact of Climate Change on Global Migration Patterns; Comparative Analysis of Italy, Greece, Mexico, and the USA

Abstract

This research paper investigates the impact of climate change on global migration patterns through a comparative analysis of four diverse countries: Italy, Greece, Mexico, and the United States. This study employs a comparative approach to explore how climate change influences migration in these distinct contexts, highlighting similarities and differences in the experiences of these countries. In Italy and Greece, climate change exacerbates migration pressures through rising temperatures, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and sea level rise, which affect both local populations and inflows from neighboring regions. In Mexico, prolonged droughts and hurricanes are contributing to significant internal and cross-border migration, particularly from rural areas reliant on agriculture. The United States, serving as both a source and destination for climate migrants, faces internal displacement due to sea-level rise and wildfires, alongside an influx of migrants from Latin America driven by worsening environmental conditions. The paper reviews current policy responses and identifies critical gaps in legal and protective frameworks for climate migrants. It emphasizes the need for enhanced international cooperation and adaptive strategies to address the complex challenges posed by climate-induced migration. By synthesizing recent data and case studies, this research highlights the necessity for a coordinated global approach to manage and mitigate the effects of climate change on migration patterns.