Abstract
Climate-induced migration is widely acknowledged as a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by the interaction between climatic stressors and socioeconomic, environmental, political, and institutional conditions. This systematic literature review examines the relationship between climate-induced migration, livelihood vulnerability, and associated adaptation strategies, while recognizing that migration is rarely driven by climate change alone. Following the PRISMA framework, a rigorous selection process yielded 28 peer-reviewed articles published between 2008 and 2023 from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Integrative and thematic analysis were applied to synthesize the evidence and identify key dimensions of livelihood vulnerability and adaptation associated with climate-induced migration. Six themes were identified: economic, social, environmental, health, cultural, and political factors that mutually influence migration experience, livelihood vulnerability, and adaptive responses. Climate-induced migration could increase income insecurity, asset loss, food insecurity, social isolation, inadequate access to basic services, health risks, culture disruption, and insufficient institutional support. The results indicate that climate-related stresses can undermine livelihoods through financial losses and other socioeconomic pressures. Migration may facilitate adaptation through remittances, livelihood diversification, employment opportunities, social networks, and institutional support; nevertheless, it may also intensify vulnerability. The reviewed literature provides global coverage, with a strong focus on climate-vulnerable regions, specifically South and Southeast Asia, alongside evidence from Africa, Latin America, Pacific Islands, North America, and Australia. The review shows that climate-induced migration should be understood as a multidimensional and interactive process rather than as a direct consequence of climate change alone. Migration can function as an adaptation strategy and a source of strengthened vulnerability. The findings also highlight the need to use region-specific, gender-responsive, and institutionally coordinated perspectives in addressing the vulnerabilities and adaptive capabilities of climate migrants.