Migration can be a good thing for the environment – here’s how

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Conversation or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Recent research suggests that migration, including movements due to climate change, can contribute positively to environmental sustainability
• Studies in Amsterdam and Accra show migrants actively participating in eco-friendly practices like recycling and community gardening, challenging the notion that migration is detrimental to local environments

🔭 The context: Sustainable development aims to improve wellbeing without compromising future generations
• New studies emphasize managing migration sustainably, balancing the influx of people without exacerbating environmental or socio-economic inequalities
• Examples from the US, Niue, Papua New Guinea, and the Marshall Islands illustrate varied impacts of migration on local resources and community cohesion

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Migrants can play a key role in environmental stewardship and sustainability
• Their active involvement in local environmental initiatives demonstrates a collective commitment to preserving and improving their new communities, which can offset potential negative impacts of increased population density

⏭️ What's next: The future of migration and sustainability depends on integrating these concepts in policy-making
• Effective urban planning and community integration are crucial in destination areas, ensuring that cities can accommodate increased populations without straining resources or escalating social tensions

💬 One quote: "Realising the potential of migration to enhance sustainability requires seeing the benefits and costs to society in the round – not putting migration and sustainability in separate boxes working against each other" (Sonja Fransen, Senior Researcher, Migration and Development, United Nations University)

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