A pressure release valve? Migration and climate change in Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu

By Richard Curtain and Matthew Dornan

February 2019

This report examines likely future population movements from the microstates of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu. These independent states are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, yet their citizens have limited migration opportunities, be they domestic or international. The report explores the factors that will influence migration decisions, as well as the social and economic impacts of future migration. It also examines the implications for migration were a natural disaster, such as a cyclone, to affect the urban centre of one of these countries.

Curtain, C. & Dornan, M. 2019, ‘A pressure release valve? Migration and climate change in Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu’, Report, Development Policy Centre, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University.

Karen Downing

Karen Downing is Research Communications Coordinator at the Development Policy Centre.