Environment and Intersectionality

Designing and Evaluating Strategies that Help Vulnerable Communities Anticipate, Absorb and Recover from Climate Shocks

Population Council Consulting is supporting the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in conducting a longitudinal study to explore the complex linkages between migration, environment, and climate change (MECC) across four Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as Ecuador. This study seeks to understand the determinants of environmentally induced migration, assess its impact on migrants and origin communities, and evaluate migration as a long-term climate adaptation strategy. It aims to uncover the decision-making processes and patterns influenced by climate-related factors driving human mobility.

PopulationCouncil Consulting is the technical partner responsible for end-to-end research design and implementation support. This includes site selection, study conceptualisation, baseline tool development, training of data collection agencies, digital data capture setup (CAPI), and baseline data analysis. It also facilitates capacity building for national implementation partners to conduct future study waves and ensures the effective dissemination of findings to stakeholders, governments, and relevant forums. The study has been generating critical evidences to inform climate-resilient migration policies and programs in MECC-affected regions.

Regional Scoping Workshop on Intersections of Climate Change with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also a public health issue with implications for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Extreme weather events, displacement, food insecurity, and overstretched health systems disproportionately affect women, girls, and marginalised communities. These disruptions often hinder access to essential SRHR services such as contraception, maternal care, and menstrual hygiene. Climate-induced migration further exacerbates vulnerabilities, limiting women’s and girls’ autonomy over their reproductive choices. Recognising and addressing these interconnected challenges is crucial for building climate-resilient health systems and policies that uphold access, equity, and reproductive rights.

PopulationCouncil Consulting and the Population Council’s PERCC team jointly hosted the first-ever consultation on the intersections of climate change and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), focusing on the key pillars of evidence, policy and programs, and financing. Experts and practitioners explored both the direct impacts of climate change such as rising temperatures, water salinity, floods, and deteriorating air quality and its indirect effects through displacement, migration, strained food and water systems, increased disease burden, and deepening social and gender inequalities.

The discussion highlighted successful actions and case studies on climate-resilient health systems, emphasising inclusive approaches, strategic budgeting, and the need for targeted policy efforts in health and SRHR. Insights from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka showcased practical pathways to reduce climate vulnerability and strengthen adaptive capacity. Additionally, perspectives from Denmark, a global leader in SRHR, underscored the value of robust infrastructure, comprehensive policies, and universal healthcare access in integrating climate and SRHR agendas.

The dialogue brought forward the urgent need to integrate climate and health systems, enhance climate emergency preparedness, strengthen data systems, and address gender inequities particularly by prioritizing the most vulnerable populations as a foundation for building resilient, inclusive health systems.