Argentina - Recognizing that climate change is an important driver of migration in many parts of the world, IOM is actively contributing to a number of events at the 21^st Conference of the Parties (COP20) climate change negotiations taking place this week in Lima, Peru.

IOM is advocating for human mobility to be more fully integrated into the climate change negotiations.  The COP20 is an important milestone, as it paves the way to a new agreement to be concluded in the next Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris in 2015.  

Over 12,000 individuals representing governments, international organizations and civil society organizations are gathered in Lima, 1st-12th December, to participate in a series of events, panels and media discussions. 

“Climate change is more pressing than ever, and the migration angle must be integrated into the climate change debate if we are to ensure that the social dimension of climate impact is fully reflected,” said Diego Beltrand, IOM’s Regional Director for South America.  

"Migration can represent a challenge, but is also an opportunity. It can provide a coping strategy for individuals and communities to adapt to climate change, improving access to food and livelihoods, and mitigating climate risks,” he added.

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), it is estimated that 22 million people worldwide were displaced in 2013 by disasters sparked largely by earthquakes or climate- and weather-related events – almost three times more than by conflict in the same year.

Marcelo Pisani, IOM Regional Director for Central, North America and the Caribbean explained: “This figure does not account for cross-border displacement or the significant number of people that are displaced due to slow onset climate changes such as drought.”

IOM and its partners have been contributing to the UNFCCC since COP14. This year, more than ever, the topic of migration linked to climate change has been present at the annual event.  IOM provides technical support and operational assistance to governments to assist them in dealing with migration related challenges linked to climate change, and is advocating for the integration of migration into national adaptation planning. 

For more information, please contact

Mariam Traore Chazalnoel

Email: mchazalnoel@iom.int