Designing for urban migration: sustainability strategies for climate-displaced communities

As climate change accelerates, more people are being forced to relocate due to rising seas, drought, wildfires, and environmental degradation. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, over 30 million people were displaced by weather-related disasters in 2023 alone.

This growing population of climate-displaced individuals is increasingly seeking refuge in cities—many of which are unprepared for such influxes. Designing for urban migration isn’t just about housing—it’s about building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable systems that meet urgent needs while anticipating long-term pressures.

Urban migration is a climate issue  

Historically, urban migration has been framed as economic. But climate stressors are now a major driver. Coastal erosion, failing agriculture, and heatwaves push families toward cities hoping for safety and opportunity.

However, rapid population growth often outpaces a city’s ability to provide:

• Affordable, stable housing.
• Equitable access to green space and public services.
• Infrastructure resilient to extreme weather.
• Employment opportunities that match residents’ skills.

The result? Vulnerable populations settle in risk-prone, marginalized areas, repeating cycles of exposure and displacement.

Sustainable strategies for inclusive integration  

1. Zoning for flexibility and density
   Updating zoning laws to allow mixed-use, modular, and adaptive structures makes it easier to scale housing without sprawl.
2. Resilient infrastructure in informal settlements
   Investing in green infrastructure—like floodable parks or solar microgrids—can bring dignity and safety to underserved areas.
3. Community-led planning
   Working with migrant communities ensures development aligns with cultural needs and lived realities, reducing exclusion.
4. Transit-oriented growth
   Planning around public transportation hubs promotes access to jobs, reduces emissions, and encourages compact, walkable neighborhoods.
5. Climate-responsive materials
   Using local, low-carbon materials suited for extreme weather supports both sustainability and regional economies.

Anticipating future patterns  

Migration linked to climate will continue. The World Bank estimates that over 200 million people could become climate migrants by 2050 if no significant mitigation occurs. Cities that act now—through inclusive planning and regenerative strategies—can reduce future strain and build cohesive urban ecosystems.

Designing with dignity  

At its core, sustainable urban design for migration is not just about resilience—it’s about dignity. It’s about creating places where people can rebuild lives, contribute to society, and feel safe. That requires systems that respect ecological limits while expanding human opportunity.

Conclusion  

Climate migration is not a future scenario—it’s happening now. Cities must evolve to meet this moment, not with panic, but with foresight, compassion, and ecological intelligence.

Fresh Assets supports development that strengthens both people and place—because sustainability means no one gets left behind.