Hélène Benveniste's research challenges the idea that everyone can simply move away from climate hazards. She found that the ability to migrate is deeply tied to personal circumstances and resources, highlighting a stark divide in how climate change impacts people.

For instance, her analysis of global migration data suggests that individuals with lower levels of education are more likely to move to other countries following heatwaves. This is often because their work is outdoors, making them more directly exposed to rising temperatures. Those with higher education, typically working indoors, are less affected by such weather events.

However, Benveniste's work also reveals a more alarming truth: people with very little income often become "trapped in place." Moving is an expensive endeavor, and when climate stressors like extreme weather events deplete what few resources these individuals have, they lose the ability to escape harm. It’s not that they don’t need to migrate, but rather that they lack the financial means to do so.

This critical distinction means we must look beyond just the total number of people moving. To create effective policies and offer real support, it's essential to understand *who* is moving and, more importantly, *who cannot* amidst the escalating climate crisis. Protecting vulnerable populations requires tailored solutions that recognize these deeply unequal burdens.