The Environmental and Climate Displacement on the Public Agenda of Brazil and Colombia

Abstract

Latin America is a region highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which include a high incidence of disasters and phenomena such as forced internal displacement. Based on this reality, we examine the cases of Brazil and Colombia, two countries that are leaders in environmental and climate-related internal displacement, as well as pioneers in responding to this challenge. Methodologically, the article draws on a review of specialized literature, as well as documentary analysis and official data on internal displacement. In the Colombian case—where internal displacement linked to armed conflict has been present on the public and governmental agenda for decades—we focus especially on bills introduced in Congress and Constitutional Court Ruling T-123 of 2024, which brought this issue onto the domestic agenda. This development represented a significant advance in the recognition of internal forced displacement caused by climate change and environmental degradation, while also defining who qualifies as climate-displaced people and establishing a unified registry. In the case of Brazil—which has played a leading role in advancing environmental issues on the international agenda—we analyze progress reflected in migration legislation, in the National Policy on the Rights of Populations Affected by Dams, and, most notably, in Bill 1.594 of 2024. This bill creates the National Policy on Environmental and Climate Displaced Persons (PNDAC), establishes the rights of these displaced populations, and provides guidelines for public authorities to promote their protection.