IELTS Reading Practice: How Climate Change is Influencing Global Migration Patterns

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching consequences that extend beyond environmental concerns. One of the significant impacts of climate change is its influence on global migration patterns. In this IELTS Reading practice, we’ll explore this crucial topic through a series of passages and questions designed to test your comprehension skills.

Climate Change Migration Infographic

Passage 1 – Easy Text

Climate change is altering the face of our planet, and with it, the movement of people across the globe. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, many regions are experiencing challenges that make them increasingly uninhabitable. This has led to a new phenomenon known as “climate migration.”

Climate migrants are individuals or groups who are forced to leave their homes due to sudden or gradual changes in their local environment. These changes can include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, drought, and food scarcity. Unlike traditional refugees who flee conflict or persecution, climate migrants often face a complex set of factors that drive their decision to relocate.

The impact of climate change on migration is not uniform across the globe. Low-lying coastal areas and small island nations are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, which can lead to the inundation of homes and agricultural land. In other regions, prolonged droughts may make farming impossible, forcing rural communities to seek opportunities in urban areas or other countries.

Developed nations are not immune to these changes. For example, in the United States, coastal communities are already grappling with the reality of retreating shorelines and more frequent hurricanes. This has led to internal migration, with people moving to less vulnerable areas within the country.

As climate change continues to reshape our world, it is crucial to understand and address the challenges posed by climate-induced migration. This includes developing strategies to support affected communities, creating policies to manage migration flows, and most importantly, taking urgent action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Questions 1-5

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. Climate migration is solely caused by rising temperatures.
2. Climate migrants face different challenges compared to traditional refugees.
3. All regions of the world are equally affected by climate-induced migration.
4. The United States is experiencing internal migration due to climate change.
5. Developed countries are taking significant action to support climate migrants.

Questions 6-10

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

6. Climate migrants are forced to relocate due to changes in their __ environment.
7. __ and small island nations are especially at risk from rising sea levels.
8. In some areas, extended periods of __ can make agriculture impossible.
9. Coastal communities in the United States are dealing with __ and more frequent hurricanes.
10. Addressing climate-induced migration requires developing strategies, creating policies, and taking action to __ the effects of climate change.

Passage 2 – Medium Text

The relationship between climate change and global migration patterns is complex and multifaceted. While it’s challenging to isolate climate change as the sole driver of migration, its influence is becoming increasingly apparent and significant. This phenomenon, often referred to as “climate migration” or “environmental migration,” is reshaping demographics and challenging traditional notions of border management and international relations.

One of the most direct impacts of climate change on migration is the displacement caused by extreme weather events. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are increasing. These events can lead to sudden, large-scale movements of people. For instance, Hurricane Maria in 2017 led to the displacement of an estimated 130,000 Puerto Ricans to the mainland United States. Similarly, the 2011 drought in Syria, exacerbated by climate change, contributed to rural-urban migration that some researchers argue played a role in the country’s civil unrest.

However, not all climate-induced migration is sudden or dramatic. Slow-onset environmental changes, such as sea-level rise, desertification, and changing precipitation patterns, can gradually erode livelihoods and force people to seek opportunities elsewhere. For example, in Bangladesh, a country highly vulnerable to climate change, it’s estimated that by 2050, one in every seven people will be displaced by climate change. Many are already moving from coastal areas to cities due to saltwater intrusion affecting agriculture.

The impact of climate change on migration is not limited to developing countries. In the United States, for instance, coastal areas are experiencing “climate gentrification,” where properties at higher elevations are becoming more valuable due to flood risks in lower-lying areas. This is leading to shifts in property values and demographics within cities.

International migration due to climate change presents unique challenges. Unlike political refugees, there is no legal framework specifically for “climate refugees.” The 1951 Refugee Convention does not recognize environmental factors as grounds for claiming refugee status. This legal gap poses significant challenges for individuals forced to cross borders due to environmental factors and for countries managing these migration flows.

Moreover, climate migration often intersects with other drivers of migration, such as economic opportunities, political instability, and conflict. This interplay of factors makes it difficult to distinguish climate migrants from other types of migrants, complicating policy responses.

As climate change continues to alter environments worldwide, it’s crucial for policymakers to consider its impact on migration patterns. This includes developing adaptive strategies for vulnerable communities, creating legal frameworks to protect climate migrants, and most importantly, taking urgent action to mitigate climate change itself. The future of global migration patterns will be significantly shaped by how effectively we address the climate crisis today.

Questions 11-14

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

11. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a direct impact of climate change on migration?
    A) Displacement due to hurricanes
    B) Movement caused by wildfires
    C) Relocation due to earthquakes
    D) Migration resulting from floods

12. The example of Syria’s 2011 drought is used to illustrate:
    A) The direct causation between climate change and civil unrest
    B) The complexity of factors contributing to migration and unrest
    C) The ineffectiveness of government policies in addressing climate change
    D) The rapid pace of desertification in Middle Eastern countries

13. The term “climate gentrification” in the United States refers to:
    A) The process of making cities more environmentally friendly
    B) The displacement of low-income residents due to climate policies
    C) The increasing value of higher elevation properties due to flood risks
    D) The migration of wealthy individuals to climate-resistant areas

14. Which of the following best describes the legal status of climate migrants according to the passage?
    A) They are fully protected under the 1951 Refugee Convention
    B) They have a unique legal framework specifically designed for their situation
    C) They are not recognized as refugees under current international law
    D) Their status varies depending on the country they migrate to

Questions 15-20

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Climate change is significantly influencing global migration patterns through both sudden events and 15) environmental changes. Extreme weather events like hurricanes can cause large-scale 16) of people, as seen in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Gradual changes such as 17) and changing precipitation patterns also force people to relocate, with Bangladesh being a prime example where many are moving due to 18) affecting agriculture.

The issue is complex because climate migration often intersects with other 19) of migration, making it difficult to distinguish climate migrants from other types. This complexity, combined with the lack of a specific 20) for climate refugees, poses significant challenges for both migrants and policymakers.

Passage 3 – Hard Text

The nexus between climate change and global migration patterns represents one of the most complex and pressing challenges of the 21st century. As anthropogenic climate change continues to alter ecosystems and exacerbate extreme weather events, its impact on human mobility is becoming increasingly pronounced and multifaceted. This phenomenon, often termed “climate migration” or “environmental displacement,” is reshaping demographic landscapes and challenging traditional paradigms of migration governance and international relations.

The causal relationship between climate change and migration is neither linear nor simplistic. Rather, it is characterized by a complex web of interconnected factors, where environmental stressors often interact with and amplify existing socio-economic, political, and demographic drivers of migration. This intricate interplay makes it challenging to isolate climate change as a singular cause of migration, leading to what researchers call the “multicausality” of environmental migration.

Climate change influences migration through both rapid-onset events and slow-onset processes. Rapid-onset events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, can lead to sudden and large-scale displacements. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events, attributed to climate change, are creating new patterns of mobility. For instance, the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, which saw hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in quick succession, led to the displacement of millions across the Caribbean and parts of the United States, with long-term implications for migration patterns in the region.

Conversely, slow-onset processes like sea-level rise, desertification, biodiversity loss, and changing precipitation patterns gradually erode livelihoods and habitability, often resulting in more protracted forms of migration. The Sahel region of Africa exemplifies this phenomenon, where desertification and unpredictable rainfall patterns are altering traditional pastoral and agricultural practices, contributing to rural-urban migration and regional population movements.

It is crucial to note that climate-induced migration is not uniformly international. In fact, the majority of climate-related mobility occurs within national borders, often from rural to urban areas. This internal migration can exacerbate urban challenges, including infrastructure strain, housing shortages, and social tensions. Moreover, it can lead to a phenomenon known as “trapped populations,” where the most vulnerable lack the resources to migrate, remaining in increasingly precarious environmental conditions.

The international dimension of climate migration presents unique legal and policy challenges. The current international refugee regime, anchored by the 1951 Refugee Convention, does not recognize environmental factors as grounds for refugee status. This legal lacuna has sparked debates about the need for new protective frameworks for “climate refugees” or “environmental migrants.” Proposals range from expanding the definition of refugees to creating new legal instruments specifically for environmental displacement.

Climate migration also intersects with issues of global equity and justice. Developing countries, particularly small island states and low-lying coastal areas, are disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing least to global emissions. This has led to calls for “climate justice,” including demands for increased adaptation funding and support for affected communities.

The impact of climate change on migration patterns is not confined to the Global South. Developed nations are also grappling with climate-induced mobility, albeit often in different forms. In the United States, for instance, coastal areas are experiencing “climate gentrification,” where properties at higher elevations are becoming more valuable due to flood risks, leading to shifts in urban demographics and property markets.

As climate change continues to reshape environments globally, its influence on migration patterns is likely to intensify. This necessitates a paradigm shift in how we conceptualize and manage migration. Adaptive strategies must be developed at local, national, and international levels, including:

1. Enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities to reduce the need for migration.
2. Developing legal frameworks that recognize and protect climate migrants.
3. Integrating climate change considerations into migration and development policies.
4. Increasing international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
5. Addressing the root causes of climate change through aggressive emissions reduction.

The future of global migration patterns will be significantly shaped by the trajectory of climate change and our collective response to it. As such, addressing climate change is not just an environmental imperative but a crucial component of managing future migration flows and ensuring global stability and equity.

Questions 21-26

Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Climate change’s impact on global migration is characterized by 21), making it difficult to isolate as a single cause of migration. It influences movement through both 22) events like hurricanes and slow-onset processes such as 23). While most climate-related migration occurs 24), international climate migration presents unique challenges due to the lack of recognition in the current 25). This situation has led to debates about creating new 26) for environmental migrants.

Questions 27-32

Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the passage?

Write

YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

27. Climate change is the sole factor driving global migration patterns.
28. The majority of climate-induced migration occurs within national borders.
29. All vulnerable populations have the resources to migrate from areas affected by climate change.
30. Developed nations are immune to the effects of climate-induced mobility.
31. The concept of “climate justice” is universally accepted and implemented.
32. Addressing climate change is crucial for managing future migration flows.

Questions 33-36

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

33. According to the passage, the term “multicausality” refers to:
    A) The multiple effects of climate change on the environment
    B) The complex interaction of factors causing environmental migration
    C) The various types of climate-related disasters
    D) The multiple routes taken by climate migrants

34. The Sahel region is mentioned in the passage as an example of:
    A) Rapid-onset climate events causing sudden displacement
    B) Slow-onset processes leading to gradual migration
    C) Successful adaptation to climate change
    D) International climate migration

35. The passage suggests that “climate gentrification” in the United States is:
    A) A policy to make cities more environmentally friendly
    B) The relocation of climate migrants to urban areas
    C) A shift in property values and demographics due to climate risks
    D) A program to protect coastal areas from flooding

36. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a necessary adaptive strategy for managing climate migration?
    A) Enhancing community resilience
    B) Developing new legal frameworks
    C) Increasing international cooperation
    D) Restricting migration from vulnerable areas

Answer Key

Passage 1

1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. NOT GIVEN
6. local
7. Low-lying coastal areas
8. drought(s)
9. retreating shorelines
10. mitigate

Passage 2

11. C
12. B
13. C
14. C
15. slow-onset
16. displacement
17. desertification
18. saltwater intrusion
19. drivers
20. legal framework

Passage 3

21. multicausality
22. rapid-onset
23. sea-level rise
24. within national borders
25. refugee regime
26. protective frameworks
27. NO
28. YES
29. NO
30. NO
31. NOT GIVEN
32. YES
33. B
34. B
35. C
36. D

This IELTS Reading practice test on “How Climate Change is Influencing Global Migration Patterns” provides a comprehensive exploration of the topic, progressing from easier to more challenging texts. It covers various aspects of climate-induced migration, including its causes, impacts, and the challenges it presents.

For test-takers, it’s important to:

1. Practice time management, allocating about 20 minutes per passage.
2. Read the questions before the passage to focus your reading.
3. Underline key information and make brief notes as you read.
4. Pay attention to signaling words and phrases that indicate important information.
5. Review your answers if time permits, especially for the more challenging questions.

Remember, improving your IELTS Reading score requires consistent practice and familiarity with various question types. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

To further enhance your understanding of climate-related topics in IELTS, you might find these resources helpful:

• How Climate Change is Impacting Wildlife Populations
• How Global Warming is Affecting Ocean Currents
• Impact of Climate Change on Food Security

These articles provide additional context and vocabulary that could be beneficial for your IELTS preparation, especially for topics related to climate change and its global impacts.