Mobility is a key livelihood and risk management strategy, including in the context of climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced long-standing concerns that migrant populations remain largely overlooked in economic development, adaptation to climate change, and spatial planning. This study synthesizes evidence across multiple studies that confirm the overwhelming preponderance of in-country and short distance rather than international migration in climate change hotspots in Asia and Africa. The examples from Asia and Africa highlighted here illustrate the need to integrate a nuanced understanding of the various forms of mobility into risk-oriented policy and adaptation option assessments, at various scales and the critical role of research in supporting this effort. For example, research can support policy aimed at promoting safer conditions for migrants on outward and homeward journeys and investing in equitable outcomes for migrant families in origin and host communities. To achieve this, the goal can no longer be about stemming migrant flows and seeing migrants as a group to be managed, walled out, or kept in place. A strong voice in this arena is necessary as there is emerging evidence that restriction to movement during the COVID-19 pandemic is not solely being driven by public health interests. Findings highlight the critical importance of addressing immobility and the intersecting social determinants that influence who can move and who cannot in development policy. This evidence suggests a more focused climate mobilities research agenda that includes understanding multiple drivers of mobility and multi-directional movement, intersecting social factors that determine mobility for some and immobility for others, and the implications for mobility and immobility under climate change and the C OVID-19 recovery.
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