Migration as a response to climate change and natural disasters is set to increase as the impact of climate change worsens. A large part of climate-induced migration and displacement will take place within countries, but the combined effects of climate change and demographic shifts will likely also encourage migration towards OECD countries.

Migration is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity. For example, international migration could be used to bridge labour shortages and skills gaps, speeding up the green transition. Migrant communities can also contribute to climate adaptation measures in their countries of origin through funding and the sharing of knowledge. 

Due to rapid population ageing and a shrinking workforce, immigration has become increasingly important for population and labour force growth in OECD countries.

The Migration-Demography Database: A monitoring system of the demographic impact of migration and mobility explores how migration shapes the past and future labour force in selected EU and non-EU OECD countries.

Given drastically declining fertility rates in OECD countries, migrants having children and starting families is becoming increasingly important for population dynamics in host countries.

Recent OECD analysis shows that although migrants have a relatively small impact on overall fertility rates, they make a significant contribution to the total number of births. There is likely also an indirect effect on fertility, as migrants are more likely to be employed in domestic and care-related professions, allowing parents, especially mothers, to continue with paid work. However, childbearing may negatively affect labour market integration in the first years following arrival, and policymakers should consider this when designing integration policies.