Many countries around the planet can expect their citizens will either have to relocate because of climate change issues or welcome those who are affected. Displacement due to weather related hazards such as storms, floods, and droughts are becoming more common both at home and beyond, not to mention the economic and social unrest that accompanies such challenges. So what can be done to prepare?

Some of the planning methods include better data collection, monitoring and forecasting, focusing on risk reduction, fighting sensational or alarmist messaging, focusing on communities, and building resilience. It will be necessary to prepare fair policies explicitly for climate migrants (and all migrants) and plan for their needs, as these new residents will undoubtedly put pressure on existing resources for locals.

With proactive planning it is possible to embrace a new influx to your community, funneling the new members to help where needs can be met for them as well as by them, adding qualitatively to the existing population.