Climate Change-Related Migration in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam — Challenges to Regional Sustainable Development

Abstract

Introduction. The Mekong Delta of Vietnam (VMD) is a key agricultural region vital for national food security. In recent years, the region has faced significant outmigration driven by economic challenges and climate change impacts, such as droughts, saltwater intrusion, and extreme weather events. Goals. This study examines the relationship between climate change and migration in the VMD and its implications for sustainable regional development. Methods. Using a political-environmental perspective, the paper analyzes quantitative and qualitative data from the 2019 Population and Housing Census and the 2022 Mekong Delta Economic Annual Report. Migration patterns, demographic shifts, and regional development indicators are assessed to understand how environmental stressors influence human mobility. Results. Findings reveal that climate change is a major driver of migration reshaping population structures, labor supply, and the region’s long-term development capacity. Over 1.3 million people migrated from the VMD in the past decade, posing challenges to demographic stability and socio-economic resilience. Conclusions. The study recommends strengthening climate-adaptive sustainable development policies and enhancing local human resource capacity. These measures aim to stabilize migration, promote inclusive development, and ensure climate-resilient growth in the Mekong Delta.