Helsinki, Finland - In June 2025, the Finnish Network for Language Education Policies, Kieliverkosto's, e-journal Language, Education and Society explores climate migration from various perspectives. This special issue was sparked by a panel discussion organized in November 2024 by Kieliverkosto and JYU.Wisdom, exploring the significance of climate migration for Finland’s future. The issue brings together the panel's participants and their organizations to continue the conversation – with IOM Finland also involved.

Miina Noroila, Media and Communications Associate at IOM Finland, authors an article examining the role of diaspora in climate action, particularly in climate change adaptation. Beyond mitigating climate change, adapting to changing conditions is an essential part of addressing the global climate crisis. Adaptation has become a key element in international climate policy, as reflected in the Paris Agreement’s Global Goal on Adaptation.

Well-managed migration is one concrete form of climate adaptation. Migration can be part of the solution to climate change, especially when migrants are actively involved in decision-making and climate initiatives. Diaspora communities are often active members of society in their countries of heritage, building bridges between their countries of residence and heritage. Noroila explores the ways diasporas can participate in climate action, for example through knowledge-sharing, development cooperation, remittances, and political advocacy.

The article shows that diaspora activity is vibrant also in the Finnish context. For example, IOM’s MIDA FINNSOM programme, funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, supports professionals within the Somali diaspora in applying their skills to develop their country of heritage. Additionally, many Finnish NGOs and other actors work at the intersection of climate, development, and peace both in Finland and in the Global South.

IOM has been active in diaspora engagement since the early 2000s. Noroila highlights the innovative example of IOM UK’s recent Diaspora 4 Climate Action project, which explored concrete ways to strengthen diaspora engagement in climate action and adaptation. The project produced a multi-country case study that revealed significant interest within the diaspora and highlighted the need to enhance participation opportunities. Effective structures, increased resources, and sustained dialogue between authorities and communities are essential moving forward.

Above all, Noroila notes that the diaspora's ability to participate in the development of their countries of heritage often relies on their integration and agency in their current country of residence – thus, climate work and integration go hand in hand.

Read the full article here (only available in Finnish).