Adaptation Journeys: Evidence from the Field on Adaptive Forms of Climate (Im)mobility

In the literature on human (im)mobility in the context of climate change (comprising migration, displacement, planned relocation, and immobility), (im)mobility has has been variously posited as adaptive, maladaptive, or a mixture of both. These outcomes can be assessed for those who move, those who stay, destination communities, and origin communities, and at different points in time. Many internal and external aspects shape the outcomes of human (im)mobility. The literature underlines that the agency of migrants and their capacity to respond to hazards proactively often leads to more adaptive forms of human (im)mobility. The literature highlights potential losses in local resilience as a result of out-migration from communities, but also acknowledges its potential for generating income, diversifying livelihoods, spreading household risks, and providing social or financial remittances.



This Research Topic aims to provide a compilation of contemporary research grounded in field research or mixed-methods approaches that can advance our understanding of examples of climate (im)mobility displaying adaptation. By highlighting diverse contexts and outcomes, the collection will shed light on the enabling conditions and barriers for adaptation. These case studies should offer practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and affected communities seeking to foster resilience.



The editors are also interested in research that critically examines the extent to which human (im)mobility trajectories are adaptive (when and how), and what local characteristics make them adaptive. Key questions include:

- Under what conditions does migration, displacement, relocation, or staying in place enhance resilience?

- Which social, economic, and policy factors enable or constrain adaptive outcomes?

- How do power relations, governance structures, and local contexts shape whether human (im)mobility becomes an opportunity or a source of vulnerability?

- What is the role of development/adaptation interventions (where appropriate)?

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: climate change; migration; adaptation; human mobility; human immobility

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.