2025 Articles

Prioritizing involuntary immobility in climate policy and disaster planning

Thalheimer, Lisa; Cottier, Fabien; Kruczkiewicz, Andrew J.; Hultquist, Carolynne; Tuholske, Cascade; Benveniste, Hélène; Freihardt, Jan; Hemmati, Mona; Kam, Pui Man; Pricope, Narcisa; Van Den Hoek, Jamon; Zimmer, Andrew; De Sherbinin, Alexander M.; Horton, Radley M.

Globally, populations are increasingly located in areas at high risk of climate change impacts. Some populations lack the agency to move out of harm’s way, leading to involuntary immobility. The climate risks these populations face are insufficiently addressed in climate policy and disaster planning. While policy and planning should be data-informed, the lack of appropriate data should not limit governments and institutions from taking action to reduce the risk of involuntary immobility. Incorporating involuntary immobility within the broader sustainable development goals of climate action and safe, orderly, and regular migration may substantially reduce the risk of involuntary immobility.

Keywords: mobility, migration aspirations, involuntary immobility, disaster risk management, anticipatory action