Climate Migration, Urban Belonging and Access to Public Services: Comparative Evidence from Secondary Cities

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as a major driver of human mobility, accelerating migration from environmentally vulnerable areas toward urban centers. Among these destinations, secondary cities are increasingly assuming a pivotal role by accommodating climate migrants while balancing economic growth, infrastructure development, and social inclusion. Despite their growing importance, the capacity of these cities to support migrant adaptation depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on the availability of equitable public services and opportunities for social integration. This review synthesizes current evidence on the interrelationship between climate migration, urban belonging, and access to public services, with a particular emphasis on the role of secondary cities across diverse regional contexts. Drawing upon comparative literature from South Asia, Africa, China, Europe, Latin America, and North America, the review examines how climate-induced migration influences settlement patterns and how urban governance, housing, healthcare, education, employment, transportation, water and sanitation, and digital public services shape migrants' adaptive capacity. The findings indicate that successful adaptation extends beyond relocation and is strongly influenced by migrants' ability to develop a sense of urban belonging through social participation, institutional recognition, and equitable access to essential services. While common challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, governance limitations, and social exclusion are evident across many secondary cities, regional experiences also demonstrate that inclusive planning and responsive local governance can transform climate migration into an opportunity for sustainable urban development. The review further identifies persistent knowledge gaps concerning long-term adaptation outcomes and highlights the need for integrated, migrant-inclusive urban policies that strengthen resilience, promote climate justice, and enhance the capacity of secondary cities to respond effectively to future climate-related mobility. Overall, this review underscores the strategic importance of secondary cities in achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban futures under a changing climate.