The impact of climate change on internal migration in Kazakhstan: socio-legal challenges and solutions

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the major factors driving internal migration in Kazakhstan, exerting a con
siderable influence on people’s living conditions. This article examines the social and legal challenges associ
ated with climate-induced migration and explores potential solutions. Particular attention is given to the im
pact of environmental factors, such as prolonged droughts, frequent floods, land degradation, and declining
agricultural productivity, on population movements. The findings are based on the results of a sociological
survey conducted in five regions of Kazakhstan, which identified the primary reasons behind migration deci
sions. Among the key motives were worsening health conditions, economic instability, and limited access to
clean water and sufficient food resources. At the same time, the analysis shows that, despite facing significant
consequences of climate change, many residents do not necessarily perceive migration as the only or the best
way to address these challenges. The article suggests a range of measures to enhance legislation aimed at
safeguarding the rights of climate migrants, strengthening regional adaptation strategies, and creating gov
ernment programs to provide social and economic assistance to affected communities. The study highlights
the importance of adopting an integrated approach that combines legal, economic, and social mechanisms in
order to manage internal migration effectively in the context of ongoing climate change.