Conflict, Climate Change & Migration (Past)

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Esmatullah will explore how climate stress drives conflict & displacement, reframing migration as adaptation.

This lecture explores the intersection of climate change, conflict, and human displacement— one of today’s most urgent global challenges. It goes beyond the label of “climate refugees” to reveal the complex, multi-layered drivers of migration across macro, meso, and micro levels. Climate stress is shown as a “threat multiplier,” worsening existing vulnerabilities and triggering or intensifying conflict. Case studies—such as Syria’s drought-conflict pathway, Central America’s dry corridor crisis, and Afghanistan’s prolonged displacement— demonstrate how environmental and political stressors interact in different contexts. Migration is reframed not only as crisis response but also as a potential adaptive strategy, underlining both agency and risks. The lecture concludes with policy gaps, innovative responses, and the urgent need for nuanced approaches to protect rights and harness human mobility. 

He is a PhD researcher at the School of Global Development, UEA. His background is in climate change and development, migration, diaspora studies and geographical changes. Having come from Afghanistan, he believes he can provide valuable context and a unique perspective.

Anteros Arts Foundation

11-15 Fye Bridge Street Norwich NR3 1LJ

Access info:

After booking the venue, we were informed the lift did not work so this room has no mobility access.

This suits people aged over 16.

Political responses to the global crisis Tickets, Thu, Oct 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM | Eventbrite