Adaptation to climate change: IOM and UNHCR approaches to communication on climate migration

The role of international organisations in climate change communication is crucial, as global cooperation on climate migration relies mainly on these actors. This study analyses how the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) communicate to the public about climate migration. Qualitative analysis of the data collected from the online platforms of these organisations shows that the main frames appearing in the discussion of the climate migrants are ‘migration as adaptation’ and ‘climate migrants as victims’. This article suggests that narratives in IOM and UNHCR’s coverage share many similarities, however the content of their messages slightly differs. UNHCR focuses on activities in the countries concerned, while IOM disseminates its role as an advocate for climate migrants.