Impact of climate change on migration trends in rural Central Asia

Nina Miholjcic-Ivkovic

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Asylum and Migration Program, Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, Kneza Miloša 4, 11000 Begrade, Serbia

Email: ninamih87@gmail.com

https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJSCR/2024-R1.v3-1/74-95.eng

May 13, 2024

Abstract

Central Asia is considered a region highly vulnerable to climate change impact and susceptible to climate-induced migration. Rural populations throughout the region are particularly at risk of experiencing adverse effects of climate variability and (im)mobility due to increased exposure to environmental hazards and distress that can severely affect agricultural productivity. This paper explores how climate change impacts migration trends in rural areas of Central Asia with an aim to contribute to the research on climate mobility in the region focusing on most vulnerable inhabitants. By examining the ongoing region’s environmental degradation with increased aridity and retreating glaciers that affect local agriculture, water and food security, this paper suggests possible outcomes of such effects on rural mobility trends across five Central Asian countries.

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For citation: Miholjcic-Ivkovic, N. (2024). Impact of climate change on cigration trends in rural Central Asia. Central Asian Journal of Sustainability and Climate Research. https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJSCR/2024-R1.v3-1/74-95.eng

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