Comparing the impact of climate change on the migration of women and men in the provinces of Iran

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Student of Economic Sciences, Department of Economic, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accounting, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

2 , Professor of Economics, Department of Economic, Faculty of Economics, Management and Accounting, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to human settlements and livelihoods by inducing extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and water shortages, which can culminate in forced migration. While these impacts are universal, their severity and nature are often gender-differentiated. Climate change tends to exacerbate pre-existing social and gender inequalities, increasing the vulnerability of women and highlighting the need for a gender-centric analysis of migration patterns.This study employs a panel data model to investigate the influence of economic, social, educational, and climatic determinants on female migration rates across 30 Iranian provinces for the years 2006, 2011, and 2016. The results reveal that rising average temperatures are positively and significantly correlated with an increase in the female migration rate. For women, the Human Development Index and literacy rate are also significant positive drivers, whereas the Gini coefficient and inflation act as significant negative drivers. The unemployment rate and the Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI) were not found to have a statistically significant effect. For the male population, average temperature and the Human Development Index are also positive and significant determinants of migration. Conversely, the Gini coefficient, unemployment rate, and inflation are associated with lower migration rates. While the IDI was found to be significant at the 10% level, male educational attainment showed no significant impact. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate clear gender disparities, suggesting that the primary drivers of migration differ between men and women in Iran..”

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References

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Stable Economy Journal
Volume 6, Issue 3 - Serial Number 19
October 2025
Pages 171-207

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