NOTE: This panel is canceled, however, one of the presentations will be combined with the Keynote Address in Session 20.1, from 2:00-3:00pm ET. You can tune in to that keynote to see Sarah Rosengartner and Laurie Ashley in conversation.
MODERATOR
Sarah Rosengaertner, Global Centre for Climate Mobility
Adele Del Guercio, Associate Professor of International Law, University of Naples L'Orientale
The protection of people moving in the context of climate change and environmental degradation
Laurie Ashley, Resilience and Climate Adaptation Specialist
A reflection on approaches to climate and migration from the USAID experience
PANELISTS
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
3:00pm-4:30pm EST
Session 21.2
Big picture questions on climate migration policy
Adele Del Guercio
BIO
Coming soon.
ABSTRACT
The protection of people moving in the context of climate change and environmental degradation.
There is actually widespread recognition that the adverse effects of climate change and disasters act as contributing drivers of displacement, both within countries (internally displaced people) and across borders. My proposal aims to determine whether the principle of non-refoulement, as affirmed in the Geneva system for the protection of refugees and in the International system of human rights, is applicable to the international migrations linked to the consequences of climate change and environmental damage. We will look in particular at the Teitiota decision made by the Human Rights Committee (HRC) on 7 January 2020.
The Committee’s decision has had consequences in some national legal orders, when it has been cited in support of requests for protection presented by migrants who, among other reasons for their departure, have included the consequences of climate change or environmental degradation. We will focus in particular on the Italian legal system. The Italian administrative bodies responsible for examining applications for international protection and the courts have begun to give special protection to asylum seekers who have left their country of origin due to adverse phenomena linked to climate change and environmental degradation. Nevertheless, some of the countries of origin of migrants, which are among those most exposed to climate change (e.g. Nigeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh), are considered by Italy to be safe. Those arriving from these countries are considered economic migrants and are subject to accelerated procedures of asylum and to an immediate expulsion.
Laurie Ashley
BIO
Laurie Ashley is a Climate Resilience Specialist with over 20 years of experience globally. She specializes in advancing climate resilience considerations in decision-making and serves as an advisor on policy and programming. Laurie has advised USAID and its partners on climate adaptation policy and programming, represented the United States on the UNFCCC Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG), and led climate and migration efforts at USAID. Her background includes designing, implementing, and advising climate adaptation and resilience strategies and programs in food and water security, climate information services, and more.
ABSTRACT
A reflection on approaches to climate and migration from the USAID experience Climate-related displacement and migration have implications across the spectrum of development and humanitarian focus areas including livelihoods, food and water security, education, and governance. USAID addressed climate-related displacement and migration by working with communities and migrants to limit displacement and support safer and more productive migration pathways, including in sending and receiving communities. As climate impacts increasingly drive displacement and migration, we can glean insights and lessons from the USAID experience and aspirations.