Climate Migration Council Grows Coalition of Global Leaders
President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau becomes first sitting head of state to join the Climate Migration Council
Eleven new members committed to centering mobility in worldwide climate change discourse
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Climate Migration Council announced the addition of fourteen new members, including current political officials, non-profit leaders, advocates, and academics. These members join a growing global coalition of more than 80 leaders with a diverse range of expertise, dedicated to putting people at the center of climate action and accelerating global action on climate migration.
Incoming members include academics, advocates, and current government leaders who will bolster the Council’s makeup of mayors, security experts, former heads of state and cabinet-level officials, and advocacy leaders. By bringing together experts from across disciplines, the Council offers a wide range of perspectives to pursue its goal of centering migration in climate change discourse and drive action that anticipates and safely accommodates the increasing numbers of people affected by the climate crisis.
The new members joining the Climate Migration Council are:
Anya McMurray, President and COO, Welcome, US
Arancha González Laya, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain (2020-2021)
Badruun Gardim, Founder of New Nomad Institute
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization
Colette Pichon Battle, Esq., Co-founder and Vision & Initiatives Partner for Taproot Earth
Dr. Erika Pires Ramos, Co-Founder, South American Network for Environmental Migrations
Fernando Riosmena, Professor of Sociology & Demography, University of Texas - San Antonio
François Gemenne, Director of the Hugo Observatory at Liege University
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO, Global Refuge
Rachel Perić, Executive Director, Welcome America
Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin
Sherrie Westin, CEO, Sesame Workshop
Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President, Republic of Palau
“Extreme weather and climate impacts are major causes of migration and displacement,” said Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization. “The climate and inequality crises need to be addressed at the same time so that no one is left behind. WMO is working to protect the most vulnerable and build resilience for all communities everywhere through Early Warnings for All and by supporting humanitarian operations and anticipatory action through the WMO Coordination Mechanism.”
“The impacts of climate change aren’t a far off, intangible concern. They are happening today in cities across the United States and the globe. Reducing emissions and building resilient communities is imperative to protecting our shared future,” said Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin. “By joining the Climate Migration Council, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of cities taking climate action.”
“The Climate Migration Council provides a platform to push for policies that center human dignity and ensure climate action includes solutions for those forced to leave their homes,” said Colette Pichon Battle, Esq., Co-founder and Vision & Initiatives Partner for Taproot Earth. “Together, we can cultivate the collective power of our communities and create a sustainable and equitable future."
The CMC has released a broad range of resources to highlight the urgency of this growing issue and promote unified action. These resources include the Compendium on Climate Mobility, the Green Jobs and Labour Mobility report, and a Position Statement on Security and Climate Mobility.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Climate Migration Council, please reach out to press@climatemigrationcouncil.org or visit www.ClimateMigrationCouncil.org.