Forced to Move: The Human Face of Climate Change
Forced to Move: The Human Face of Climate Migration
NYC Climate Week 2025
🗓️ September 24, 10:00–11:00 AM
📍 The Bench, 49 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013
Facilitated by Dr. Clélia Compas
Climate migration is not tomorrow’s crisis—it is today’s reality. From Pacific islands to American coastlines, millions are already being uprooted by rising seas and extreme weather—and an estimated 1.2 billion people could be displaced by climate change by 2050.
Amid this upheaval lies a crucial opportunity: to redefine what it means to share our planet and to imagine new ways of living together. As climate pressures redraw the map of human habitation, the challenge before us is not only to build resilience, but to create societies that are just, welcoming, and inclusive.
In this session, we will explore the human face of climate change and ask: how can we shift from fear to solidarity, and from borders to belonging?
Session Objectives:
Gain a deeper understanding of the human impacts of climate-induced displacement across diverse regions.
Examine the legal and policy gaps that leave climate-displaced people without adequate protection.
Explore how narratives of fear and scarcity can shift toward ones of solidarity, interdependence, and shared humanity.
Identify actionable pathways for civil society, governments, and communities to support the inclusion and well-being of climate migrants.
Leave with practical tools and inspiration to advocate for just and compassionate migration policies.
About The Speaker:
Dr. Clélia Compas is a French social anthropologist and humanitarian professional who's spent over a decade leading high-impact initiatives with the United Nations and founding two NGOs supporting displaced populations worldwide. Holding a PhD in Migration Studies from the University of Sussex, her work has spanned frontline refugee response, large-scale humanitarian convoys, and international policy advocacy, earning her global recognition.
Today, Dr Compas bridges rigorous research, field expertise, and human-centered storytelling to champion more compassionate and inclusive migration policies worldwide.
Attendee entry
This event is part of downtown climate action club — a three-day hub for climate impact creators, hosted by chilli.club and The Bench. Explore the full three-day agenda