Environmental governance is critical for mitigating human displacement due to weather-related disasters

Abstract

The impact of climate change is increasingly evident through intensified and more frequent weather-related events, resulting in a higher likelihood of disaster-induced displacement. In response, effective adaptation and resilience-building measures implemented through environmental governance are crucial. Here, we investigate the relationship between environmental governance (measured by the Notre Dame Country Index) and weather-related disaster displacements. Using a panel dataset of 92 countries from 2010 to 2020, Granger non-causality tests reveal a strong bidirectional relationship between environmental governance and disaster displacement. The relationship is primarily driven by governance readiness in the higher-income group, while both governance and economic readiness are crucial in the middle-income group. Notably, all three readiness components appear significant in the lower-income group, emphasizing the imperative for comprehensive disaster management strategies that address economic development, governmental effectiveness, and social conditions. These findings underscore the importance of effective environmental governance for climate change adaptation and sustainable development goals.