‘Climate change also a cause of migration’

Kathmandu, June 1

A study has shown that climate change is one of the key factors behind growing migration in South Asia.

The report ‘Assessing Climate Change, Environmental Degradation and Migration Nexus in South Asia’ presented during a programme in the capital yesterday by the government and International Organization of Migration drew such a conclusion.

The report stated that the climate change has resulted in low agricultural productivity, shortage of drinking water, soil erosion, floods and landslide thereby triggering migration.

On the occasion, IOM Bangladesh consultant Gulam Rabbani presented his study report on the status of migration caused by climate change in Bangladesh, while researcher Sanjaya Sharma presented his report on the status of migration in Darchula of Nepal.

A group discussion was also held to draw conclusions on the topics of ‘National Action Plan on Migration and Climate Change’. Govinda Mani Bhusal, joint secretary at the Ministry of Labour, said this was the first partnership programme between the labour ministry and environment ministry on climate change and migration.

Likewise, Ram Prasad Lamsal, joint secretary at the environment ministry, expressed his hope that the discussion on the topic would help identify the gaps, challenges and opportunities in the area.

IOM Nepal chief Maurizio Busatti underlined the need for national policy on migration and climate change.