As world leaders gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP 30—the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—one issue is gaining overdue attention: human mobility. From climate-induced displacement to seasonal labour migration, the movement (or immobility) of people is deeply intertwined with how we adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts. And for the European Union, preparedness, resilience and cooperation are priorities that account for this connection.
Climate Change Moves People—Literally
Human mobility in the context of climate change includes a wide spectrum: seasonal labour migration, urbanization, evacuations after extreme weather events, planned relocations from areas becoming uninhabitable, and even immobility—when people are unable or unwilling to move. These movements aren’t just side effects of climate change; they’re central to how communities manage risk and build resilience.
Since 2010, climate mobility has been part of global climate negotiations. At COP 30 human mobility is relevant in key discussions on adaptation, just transition, and climate finance.
Measuring Mobility in the Adaptation Goal
One of the most significant developments is the United Arab Emirates (UAE)–Belém work programme, which aims to define indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). As of late 2025, four out of eleven targets include indicators related to migrants and displaced persons. These range from tracking planned relocations and pre-emptive evacuations to including migrants in indicator disaggregation, including mapping cross-border mobility routes.
This matters for Europe. Disasters like wildfires, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe. In August 2025 alone, wildfires forced nearly 30,000 people to evacuate in Greece and another 20,000 in Spain (IDMC, 2025). These events aren’t isolated—they’re part of a growing pattern that demands better data, smarter planning, and inclusive policies.
The EU’s own strategies reflect this urgency. The 2025 EU Preparedness Union Strategy emphasizes early warning systems and resilience, while the Joint Communication on the EU Global Vision on Climate and Energy reaffirms Europe’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, global climate negotiations and multilateral cooperation.
Migrants and the Just Transition
The shift to a green economy—known as the “just transition”—is another area where human mobility plays a crucial role. Migrants are often overrepresented in sectors like agriculture and construction, which are heavily impacted by decarbonization efforts. At the same time, they can help fill gaps in green jobs, bringing valuable skills and labour to emerging industries.
But this transition must be fair. Migrants are vulnerable to exploitation, especially in informal or transitional sectors. The EU has made protecting migrant rights a priority, as highlighted in the COP 30 Council Conclusions from October 2025. Ensuring decent work and inclusive policies is essential for a truly just transition.
Governments can take two key steps: fund research on how transition policies affect migrant workers, and create space for migrants, diaspora communities, and their organizations to contribute to shaping the transition.
Financing Climate Mobility
Scaling up climate finance is another hot topic at COP 30. The Baku to Belém Roadmap sets an ambitious goal: USD 1.3 trillion in funding. To meet it, countries must consider the adaptation needs tied to human mobility.
One promising model is the Climate Mobility Investment Plan, currently being developed in the Philippines with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It uses an EU-funded Risk Index for Climate Displacement to identify future hotspots and guide investment decisions. This kind of evidence-based planning could be replicated in Europe and beyond.
Another innovation is IOM’s “Costing Tool for Funds on Human Mobility and Loss & Damage,” piloted in Chile and Costa Rica. It helps policymakers understand the financial implications of displacement and planned relocation, making it easier to mobilize resources and design effective policies.
Given their leadership in global climate finance, the EU and its Members States have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to ensure that funding reaches vulnerable groups, including displaced communities and migrants. Supporting access to the Loss & Damage Fund and other financial mechanisms will be key.
A Call to Action
Human mobility isn’t just a humanitarian issue—it’s a climate issue, a development issue, and a justice issue. As COP 30 approaches, the EU has a chance to lead by example, integrating mobility into its climate strategies and championing inclusive, forward-thinking solutions.
Whether it’s through better data, fair labour policies, or targeted investments, recognizing the role of human mobility can help build a more resilient, equitable future—for Europe and the world.
Written by: Susanne Melde, Global Thematic Specialist Climate Action, IOM Global Office in Brussels
