Climate risks for displaced populations: a scoping review and research agenda

Forcibly displaced people are at the forefront of climate emergencies worldwide. This article reviews the growing literature on climate risks for displaced populations to synthesize knowledge, highlight gaps, and develop a theory-driven research agenda. Our synthesis shows that displaced populations are disproportionately at risk of being negatively impacted by climate hazards, due to their high sensitivity, limited adaptive capacities, and, in some cases, heightened exposure. Most studies focus on Southern Asia with a paucity of studies on climate- vulnerable refugee-hosting states in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Moreover, the literature heavily relies on case studies, which impedes the generalizability and comparability of findings. We argue for an inclusive and comprehensive climate risk research agenda that systematically maps the exposure of displaced populations to climate hazards, provides theory-driven research on how climate sensitivities and adaptive capacities shape their vulnerabilities, and applies comparative research, including host community populations.