On November 4, Sapienza University of Rome hosted the Workshop on Habitability and Climate Mobility: Legal and Policy Solutions. Dialogue with Stakeholders, bringing together leading experts and key stakeholders in climate migration and displacement law and policy. This event was part of the HABITABLE Project (2020–2024), the largest Horizon 2020-funded research initiative on climate change and mobility, led by a consortium of 22 partners across three continents.
Sergio Marchisio, leader of Work Package 6 on Legal and Policy Analysis and Strategic Recommendations, highlighted the project’s emphasis on habitability, socio-ecological systems, and social tipping points. He underscored the importance of rethinking traditional narratives on climate mobility and of adapting international, regional, and national frameworks to incorporate a human rights-based approach that centers on habitability.
The workshop’s first two panels, moderated by Sergio Marchisio and Raffaele Cadin, explored legal and policy approaches to managing climate-induced migration and reducing displacement risks. Panelists—including Diogo Andreola Serraglio (PIK – Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research), Emily Wright-O’Kelly (adelphi), Sergio Ampudia (UNESCO), Gianfranco Gabriele Nucera, and Pierfrancesco Breccia (Sapienza)—shared actionable insights on refining legal narratives and enhancing regional cooperation to support evidence-based, inclusive policies.
In the final session, key stakeholders such as Anna Luise (ISPRA), Daniela Di Rado (Consiglio Italiano per i Rifugiati), Alessio Sangiorgi (Unione forense per la tutela dei diritti umani), and Giulia Manni (UNHCR Italia, Agenzia ONU per i Rifugiati) reflected on the Project’s findings. Caroline Zickgraf (The Hugo Observatory: Environment, Migration, Politics) concluded the session by synthesizing perspectives and summarizing the HABITABLE research team’s approach to this complex issue.
The Sapienza Research Team extends sincere thanks to all panelists and participants for advancing this crucial dialogue. We look forward to reconvening in Nairobi for the HABITABLE Final Conference, taking place from December 4–6!
