Climate Migration Council Grows Coalition of Global Leaders

Written By Ryan Conlan

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: 

"As an island nation on the frontlines, we in Palau recognize the profound cost of the climate crisis on our people, ocean, land, and culture. By collaborating with diverse leaders, we can find solutions that prioritize the dignity and well-being of communities affected by climate change and enhance our resilience,” said Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau. “I’m proud to join the Climate Migration Council to raise awareness about the realities of this crisis. Palauans and citizens of other small island nations face these impacts daily, and we also are witnessing the impacts of climate change around the world. As we face these imminent threats across our global community, we urge every individual and nation to join us in this vital effort—together, we can confront climate change at its roots and build a sustainable future for our children and generations to come."

“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 theCompendium 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.  

 
Ryan Conlan
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