The displacement of the population is often mentioned as a likely result of the inability to effectively combat climate change. In extreme scenarios, the loss of inhabitable land from climatic impacts will result in a massive transfer of people from the affected areas. According to the International Organization for Migration, an estimated 200 million people are displaced by climate change by 2050.
The government of Bangladesh, for example, already foresees that more than 20 million people its populations could be forced to move due to increasing levels coupled with an increasing number of hurricanes and storm surges. Such forecasts are accompanied by a warning that the already densely populated country will not be able to absorb so many displaced persons; international migration will be an obvious result.

Internal migration is increasing, but the nature of migration is more complex than usual. Men from at-risk communities move seasonally, and the adverse effects of climate change worsen their situation.

There is also a clear relationship between the poverty of individual migrants and the extent to which relocation is successful. Relatively rich people are disaster-stricken areas. But the poorest people tend to lack resources and social networks to plan effectively. In addition, there are practical difficulties related to migration: children, pregnant women, the disabled and the elderly may find the journey itself difficult, if not impossible.

Internal migration is disruptive for those who undertake it, but also has adverse effects on the community. Internally displaced persons often end up living in refugee camps or urban slums.

The choice of decision-makers is between organized migration, security and chaos. This will require international cooperation and support.