Investigating climate changes on human migration patterns in arid regions of Iran: a qualitative study in Semnan city

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Development Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

2 PhD in Sociology, Department of Development Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.

Abstract

Climate change, as one of the outstanding challenges of the current century, has undergone fundamental changes in human migration patterns with its profound effects on ecosystems and human societies, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of these changes on the migration patterns of Semnan residents. This study, using a qualitative approach and in-depth interview method, collected data from 15 residents of this city who had direct or indirect experience of migration, and then analyzed this data using thematic analysis method. The findings indicate that reduced access to water resources as one of the most important consequences of climate change, along with a significant decline in agricultural production and increased environmental concerns, are among the key factors in residents' decision to migrate. Finally, as an initial step, this research paves the way for broader research in other arid regions of Iran to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between climate change and human migration.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Society and the Environment
Volume 2, Issue 4
May 2025
Pages 189-213

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