IELTS Reading Practice: Climate Change’s Impact on Global Migration

Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on the crucial topic of “Climate change’s impact on global migration.” This subject has been increasingly prevalent in IELTS exams due to its global significance and relevance to current affairs. Based on our analysis of past IELTS tests and current trends, we predict a high likelihood of encountering similar themes in future exams. Let’s dive into a comprehensive practice exercise to sharpen your reading skills and expand your knowledge on this vital issue.

Climate change impact on global migration

Practice Test: Climate Change and Global Migration Patterns

Reading Passage

Climate change is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant drivers of global migration in the 21st century. As temperatures rise, sea levels increase, and extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, millions of people worldwide are being forced to leave their homes in search of safer and more habitable environments. This phenomenon, often referred to as “climate migration,” is reshaping human settlement patterns and posing unprecedented challenges to global governance and international relations.

The impact of climate change on migration is multifaceted and complex. In coastal regions, rising sea levels and increased storm surges are eroding shorelines and inundating low-lying areas, making these places uninhabitable. Small island nations in the Pacific, such as Kiribati and Tuvalu, are at risk of complete submersion, potentially creating the world’s first “climate refugees.” In contrast, inland areas are grappling with prolonged droughts, desertification, and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which threaten agricultural livelihoods and food security.

The scale of climate-induced migration is staggering. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, over 140 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America could be displaced within their own countries due to climate change impacts. This internal displacement often precedes international migration, as people first move to urban centers within their countries before considering cross-border relocation.

Developed nations are not immune to these challenges. In the United States, for instance, coastal communities in Florida and Louisiana are already experiencing “sunny day flooding,” while wildfires in California have forced thousands to evacuate their homes permanently. In Europe, Mediterranean countries are witnessing increased migration pressure from North Africa, partly driven by climate-related factors.

The international community is grappling with how to address this emerging crisis. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has highlighted the need for a new legal framework to protect climate migrants, as current international law does not recognize “climate refugees” as a protected category. Some countries, like New Zealand, have considered creating special visa categories for Pacific Islanders displaced by rising seas.

Adaptation strategies are being developed to mitigate the need for migration. These include investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, improving water management techniques, and developing drought-resistant crops. However, for many communities, especially in the Global South, the pace of climate change may outstrip their capacity to adapt, making migration an inevitable reality.

As climate change continues to reshape our planet, it is clear that migration patterns will be profoundly affected. This presents both challenges and opportunities for societies worldwide. While the displacement of millions poses significant humanitarian and logistical challenges, it also offers the potential for cultural exchange and economic rejuvenation in receiving areas. Addressing climate-induced migration will require unprecedented global cooperation, innovative policy solutions, and a fundamental rethinking of our relationship with the environment.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

1. Climate change is considered a major factor influencing global migration in the current century.
2. All climate migrants are forced to move to different countries.
3. Small island nations in the Pacific are at risk of complete submersion due to rising sea levels.
4. The World Bank estimates that 140 million people globally will be displaced by 2050 due to climate change.
5. Current international law recognizes “climate refugees” as a protected category.

Multiple Choice

6. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an impact of climate change on coastal regions?
   A) Erosion of shorelines
   B) Inundation of low-lying areas
   C) Increased volcanic activity
   D) More frequent storm surges

7. According to the passage, what is often the first step in climate-induced migration?
   A) International relocation
   B) Moving to urban centers within the same country
   C) Seeking refugee status in neighboring countries
   D) Relocating to small island nations

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number (i-vii) next to questions 8-11.

i. Legal challenges and policy responses
ii. The scale of climate-induced displacement
iii. Adaptation strategies to mitigate migration
iv. Climate change impacts in developed nations
v. The multifaceted nature of climate-induced migration
vi. Future prospects and global cooperation
vii. Introduction to climate migration

8. Paragraph 2
9. Paragraph 3
10. Paragraph 4
11. Paragraph 7

Short Answer Questions

Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

12. What term is used to describe flooding that occurs in coastal areas even on clear days?
13. Which country has considered creating special visa categories for displaced Pacific Islanders?
14. What type of crops are being developed as part of adaptation strategies?

Answer Key and Explanations

1. True – The passage states, “Climate change is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant drivers of global migration in the 21st century.”
2. False – The passage mentions internal displacement within countries as well as international migration.
3. True – The text mentions that “Small island nations in the Pacific, such as Kiribati and Tuvalu, are at risk of complete submersion.”
4. Not Given – The passage states this figure for specific regions (Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America), not globally.
5. False – The passage states that “current international law does not recognize ‘climate refugees’ as a protected category.”
6. C – Increased volcanic activity is not mentioned in the passage as an impact of climate change on coastal regions.
7. B – The passage states, “This internal displacement often precedes international migration, as people first move to urban centers within their countries.”
8. v – This paragraph discusses various ways climate change affects migration.
9. ii – This paragraph provides figures on the scale of climate-induced displacement.
10. iv – This paragraph specifically discusses climate change impacts in developed nations like the US and Europe.
11. vi – The final paragraph discusses future implications and the need for global cooperation.
12. Sunny day flooding
13. New Zealand
14. Drought-resistant crops

Common Mistakes and Tips

1. Misinterpreting “Not Given” answers: Remember, if the information is not explicitly stated in the passage, even if it seems logical, the answer is “Not Given.”
2. Overlooking key phrases: Pay attention to qualifiers like “often,” “some,” or “may,” which can change the meaning of a statement.
3. Falling for distractors in multiple-choice questions: Always refer back to the passage and eliminate options that contradict the text.
4. Matching headings incorrectly: Ensure you understand the main idea of each paragraph before matching it with a heading.

Vocabulary Focus

• Multifaceted: having many different aspects or features
• Inundating: flooding or overwhelming
• Desertification: the process by which fertile land becomes desert
• Staggering: astonishing or deeply shocking
• Grappling: struggling to deal with or overcome something
• Mitigation: the action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something

Grammar Spotlight

Pay attention to the use of conditional structures in the passage, such as:

“While the displacement of millions poses significant humanitarian and logistical challenges, it also offers the potential for cultural exchange and economic rejuvenation in receiving areas.”

This complex sentence uses a concessive clause (starting with “while”) to contrast two ideas, followed by the main clause. It’s a useful structure for expressing complex relationships between ideas in academic writing.

Expert Advice

To excel in IELTS Reading, especially with complex topics like climate change and migration:

1. Develop a broad knowledge base by regularly reading scientific articles and reputable news sources on global issues.
2. Practice skimming and scanning techniques to quickly locate relevant information in the passage.
3. Improve your vocabulary, particularly in areas related to environment, social sciences, and global affairs.
4. Work on your time management skills to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time.
5. Regularly practice with full-length IELTS Reading tests to build stamina and familiarity with various question types.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes from a combination of language skills, test-taking strategies, and broad general knowledge. Keep practicing and stay informed about global issues to boost your performance.

For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• Climate Change’s Impact on Economic Stability
• Climate Change’s Effect on Migration Patterns
• Climate Change’s Impact on Natural Resources

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!