Migration as an adaptation to climate change for remote indigenous communities: what might we expect?

Migration is well recognised as an option for adapting to the impacts of climate change. However, there is no general model to provide an understanding of who might migrate and to where and when. In reference to remote Indigenous communities in northern Australia, this study identifies thirteen dimensions that should be considered when modelling climate induced migration. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging the diversity and dynamism between communities and within communities. Migration is likely to present challenges for the people who are migrating, for the places they migrate to, and the communities they migrate from. Therefore, place-based adaptive strategies should be developed with individual communities to ensure that Indigenous people have appropriate migration options, and the skills and resources to exercise control over their migration decisions.