As the Mediterranean region faces growing environmental, geopolitical and migration pressures, a new comprehensive Expert Analysis has been released on the Environmental Change-Migration-Conflict Nexus in the region.
The new study titled “Expert Analysis: Environmental Change, Conflict, and Human Migration in the Mediterranean Basin” has been published by the independent international scientific network of Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC), with substantive contributions from researchers of The Cyprus Institute.
The study provides an extensive assessment of the scientific, technical, and socio-economic literature on interdependence and numerous mutual linkages and feedback mechanisms between environmental change (including climate change), conflict, and human migration. It aims to improve the common understanding of the determinants, trends, patterns, and impacts of human migration and displacement in the Mediterranean. Ultimately, the study aims to assist in the development of policy measures designed to minimize human suffering, allocate resources effectively, and collectively support regional stability and well-being.
The study was based on more than 1000 scientific publications and compiled by 49 experts from 20 countries. The involvement of researchers of the Cyprus Institute spanned not only enriching the scientific content of the study, but also highlighting the particular importance of the Eastern Mediterranean for these processes within the Mediterranean Basin.
Prof. Manfred Lange of The Cyprus Institute’s Energy, Environment and Water Research Center (EEWRC) contributed as a coordinator, editor, and coordinating lead author of the study; while Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center (STARC) Associate Prof. Efthymia Nikita and Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C) Research Scientist Dr. George Zittis, contributed to the research and participated as contributing and lead authors, respectively.
A comprehensive summary of the study and its findings can be found on the MedECC website.
Reference:
MedECC, 2026: Environmental change, conflict, and human migration in the Mediterranean Basin. [Lange, M.A.; Majdalani, R.; Cramer, W.; Guiot, J.; Gattacceca, J.C., Marini, K. (eds.)]. MedECC Reports. MedECC Secretariat, Marseille, France, pp. 238. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.14800746
