Causes, consequences and processes of climate induced coastal migration in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s coastal regions face escalating risks from climate change, including cyclones, tidal surges, salinity intrusion, and sea level rise, factors that increasingly drive internal displacement. This study explores the causes, consequences, and processes of climate-induced migration in Gabura Union, Satkhira district. This study adopts an exploratory, perception-based approach to examine patterns and experiences of climate-related mobility rather than to establish causal mechanisms or evaluate policy effectiveness. Instead of tracing migration processes longitudinally, this study documents perceived patterns and reported drivers of mobility as articulated by affected households. This study does not aim to fill a conceptual gap; instead, it contributes locally grounded empirical evidence that complements and contextualizes existing multi-causal analyses of climate-induced migration in Bangladesh. Data were collected through 60 household questionnaire survey and 8 focus group discussions, supported by secondary meteorological records. Findings show that all respondents experienced internal displacement, and 40% of households reported that at least one member had actually migrated, mainly after cyclones, salinity intrusion, and associated livelihood loss. Migration remains predominantly internal and often temporary, with 46.7% of households having at least one member migrate for work or education. This is due to climate-induced reasons, which are closely connected with socio-economic causes. However, 53.3% preferred to stay despite hardships, reflecting a strong emotional and cultural attachment to their homeland. Occupational shifts were prominent: only 10% still rely on fishing, while 43.3% turned to woodcutting (Bawali) and 23.3% to day labor. Educational attainment remains low, with 50% having no formal education and just 3.3% completing higher education. Economically, 73.3% of households were categorized as poor and 10% as very poor, with 56.7% dependent on a single income earner. The study concludes that climate-induced migration is shaped by a complex mix of environmental and socioeconomic pressures. It recommends establishing a national database on climate migrants, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and developing localized adaptation strategies to enhance community resilience and reduce the need for forced migration. These insights can inform both local and national policy frameworks aimed at integrating migration into climate adaptation planning, enhancing community resilience, and ensuring adaptive mobility with dignity.