Urban Resilience in the Face of Climate-Induced Migration and Economic Scarcity: A Quasi-Experimental Investigation

• In Event: Climate Policy, Public Opinion, and Governance

Abstract

In this empirical investigation, I delve into the intricate interplay between climate-induced urban migration, economic scarcity, and subsequent urban unrest, employing a robust quasi-experimental framework that encompasses both difference-in-differences (DID) and triple difference methodologies. Spanning nearly three decades from 1992 to 2021, my global analysis leverages geospatial data and meticulously examines the effects of exogenous climate and labor market shocks on urban centers across the world.

My findings not only shed light on the nuanced relationship between environmental shocks and mass urban migration but also unravel the downstream impacts on urban economies and social stability. Through the DID and triple difference frameworks, I tease out causal relationships and untangle the web of confounding factors, providing insights that are both rigorous and generalizable.

This comprehensive study not only enhances our understanding of the complex dynamics of climate-driven urban migration but also offers invaluable policy implications for building urban resilience in an era marked by climatic uncertainty and economic instability. By bridging the gap between empirical analysis and real-world consequences, my research contributes to the growing body of knowledge addressing the challenges posed by climate change and mass urbanization influxes.

Author

• Elisa D'Amico, University College Dublin