The Pattern of Climate Change Migration in Iran: a Scoping Review
1
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A298
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Climate change has led to increased rates of internal displacement and migration globally. Iran, which is affected by severe droughts, extreme heat, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, has experienced considerable climate-induced population movement in recent years. This study aims to investigate the pattern of climate change migration in Iran.
METHODS:
We systematically applied the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews and searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar alongside gray literature from governmental and nongovernmental sources. Study selection and data charting were conducted iteratively, the data were charted and synthesized narratively.
RESULTS:
Twenty-two articles and eight reports were included in this study. Climate stressors such as droughts, rising temperatures, declining precipitation, and water scarcity are major drivers of internal displacement in Iran. Rural regions in Khuzestan, Sistan-Baluchistan, South Khorasan, Fars, and other arid provinces have experienced substantial depopulation, especially in rural areas, whereas northern and central provinces such as Mazandaran, Alborz, and Tehran have absorbed large numbers of climate migrants. Climate-induced migration is strongly associated with economic factors, agricultural collapse, healthcare access, and poverty. Health impacts include increased physical and mental illness, food and water insecurity, and heightened vulnerability among women and children. Policy responses remain fragmented, with gaps in adaptation planning, disaster risk management, and migrant-inclusive health systems.
CONCLUSIONS:
Climate change is a significant driver of internal displacement and migration in Iran. Addressing this challenge requires multisectoral, evidence-based policies that strengthen climate adaptation, water resource management, and health systems. Integrated migration governance and climate-resilient planning are needed to protect vulnerable populations and reduce long-term socioenvironmental risks.
Climate change has led to increased rates of internal displacement and migration globally. Iran, which is affected by severe droughts, extreme heat, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, has experienced considerable climate-induced population movement in recent years. This study aims to investigate the pattern of climate change migration in Iran.
METHODS:
We systematically applied the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews and searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar alongside gray literature from governmental and nongovernmental sources. Study selection and data charting were conducted iteratively, the data were charted and synthesized narratively.
RESULTS:
Twenty-two articles and eight reports were included in this study. Climate stressors such as droughts, rising temperatures, declining precipitation, and water scarcity are major drivers of internal displacement in Iran. Rural regions in Khuzestan, Sistan-Baluchistan, South Khorasan, Fars, and other arid provinces have experienced substantial depopulation, especially in rural areas, whereas northern and central provinces such as Mazandaran, Alborz, and Tehran have absorbed large numbers of climate migrants. Climate-induced migration is strongly associated with economic factors, agricultural collapse, healthcare access, and poverty. Health impacts include increased physical and mental illness, food and water insecurity, and heightened vulnerability among women and children. Policy responses remain fragmented, with gaps in adaptation planning, disaster risk management, and migrant-inclusive health systems.
CONCLUSIONS:
Climate change is a significant driver of internal displacement and migration in Iran. Addressing this challenge requires multisectoral, evidence-based policies that strengthen climate adaptation, water resource management, and health systems. Integrated migration governance and climate-resilient planning are needed to protect vulnerable populations and reduce long-term socioenvironmental risks.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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