International School on Climate Mobilities 2026

We are tremendously excited to launch the fifth annual International School on Climate Mobilities, co-hosted by the Climate Mobility Justice Academy of Beyond Climate Collaborative and the Othering & Belonging Institute at University of California Berkeley.

Location
Online (via Zoom)
Date
May 25, 2026 - July 15, 2026
Learn moreApply now
A green river lined with trees on both sides. Photo by Pubarun Basu.
Photo by Pubarun Basu

Contents

Brief Overview

The Climate Mobility Justice Academy (CMJA) of Beyond Climate Collaborative and the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California Berkeley are proud to co-host the fifth annual International School on Climate Mobilities (ISCM).

This year, the ISCM will welcome a maximum of 200 participants to enroll in the ISCM. The 2026 programme will bring together over thirty leading experts to deliver lectures, convene rigorous seminars and share their first-hand experience of the impacts of climate change and related displacement over the course of seven weeks.

Placing questions of differential risk, structural inequality and environmental justice at the center, the ISCM unpacks topical themes related to climate and environmental (im)mobilities throughout weekly lecture and seminar sessions.  

Course Structure & Key Dates

Spanning across topical themes of the online eight-week course, the ISCM offers a blend of rigorous and engaging lectures and seminars.

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All ISCM sessions take place online via Zoom over an eight-week program:

  • Lectures: Mondays, 16:00 – 18:00 UTC
  • Seminars: Wednesdays, with three sessions to accommodate global time zones: ‍
    • Asia & the Pacific: 8:00 – 10:00 UTC ‍
    • Europe, Africa, Middle East: 16:00 – 18:00 UTC ‍
    • Americas: 23:00 – 01:00 UTC

Week 0

Introduction to the ISCM

Keynote Address and Introduction Lecture – Monday, May 25th  

Social Networking and Creative Seminars– Wednesday, May 27th

Week 1

Multiple and Complex Drivers and Agency in Climate-related (Im)mobilities

Lecture – Monday, June 1st  

Seminars – Wednesday, June 3rd

Week 2

Environmental (Im)mobilities, Health, Food and Livelihood Security

Lecture – Monday, June 8th  

Seminars – Wednesday, June 10th

Week 3

Climate Justice: Unpacking Coloniality, Gender, Race, Class, Indigeneity and Climate-related Displacement

Lecture – Monday, June 15th  

Seminars – Wednesday, June 17th  

Week 4

Protection Politics: Climate Migration, Human Rights and Refugee Law

Lecture – Monday, June 22nd  

Seminars – Wednesday, June 24th  

Week 5

From Structural Violence to ‘Resource Wars’: The Climate Change, Conflict and Displacement Nexus

Lecture – Monday, June 29th  

Seminars – Wednesday, July 1st

Week 6

Building Resilience in the Context of Environmental (Im)mobilities: Mitigating Risks, Enhancing Adaptive Capacity and Addressing Loss & Damage

Lecture – Monday, July 6th

Seminars - Wednesday, July 8th  

Week 7

ISCM Closing week

Reimagining Workshop – Monday, July 13th

Participant presentations - Wednesday, July 15th

Beyond the Classroom

In addition to the core curriculum of the ISCM, we host optional side-events in collaboration with organisations and universities, exploring career pathways and themes beyond the main ISCM sessions. These events are designed to deepen understanding, foster exchange, and open new avenues for professional development in the growing field of climate mobility. Some of these side-events are also open to non-ISCM participants.

The ISCM also includes a reflective learning portfolio, through which participants track their engagement across the programme and develop two final outputs: a short written or creative reflection, and an action plan outlining how they will apply ISCM concepts in their research, practitioner work, advocacy, creative practice, or community engagement. This approach encourages participants to reflect on positionality, accountability, and meaningful engagement.

Participants have the opportunity to connect virtually with leading experts, fellow scholars, practitioners, and changemakers  throughout the programme. Participants additionally gain access to shared resources and a growing global community of ISCM alumni, supporting connection and collaboration well beyond the eight-week programme.

Who should apply?

The ISCM welcomes students, recent graduates, academics, practitioners and change-makers from all corners of the world who are keen to unpack key trends, developments, and narratives shaping research and praxis on  climate and environmental-related (im)mobilities in the twenty-first century. We welcome participants at different stages of their activist, research, advocacy and career journeys and encourage diversity – across geographies, backgrounds and disciplines.  

We encourage participation amongst change-makers who are passionate about advancing resilience to climate change and environmental shocks through disaster risk reduction and sustainable development, as well as those who champion human rights-based protection for those who move and those who stay to cope with the intensifying impacts of climate change, disasters and environmental degradation.  

If you are passionate about researching the nuances of climate-related migration, displacement and immobility, influencing new laws and policies, providing life-saving assistance in the humanitarian sector or engaging in sustainable development programming on climate change and mobility, this course is for you!  

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must have advanced English language skills to participate.  

In addition, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:  

  • Postgraduate student or recent graduate of a postgraduate degree program  ‍
  • Academic (pursuing or holding a PhD)   ‍
  • Practitioner, including a working professional, community organizer, or advocate in a relevant field (e.g. migration, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, social justice etc.)  

Note that exceptional applications from undergraduate students or applicants from non-traditional educational or professional backgrounds, who bring relevant lived experience are also encouraged to apply.

Attendance, Participation and Engagement Expectations

  • We expect our participants to attend the lecture and one of the seminar sessions every Monday and Wednesday respectively for the duration of the eight-week program.
  • Attendance is recorded based on both presence and participation. Active participation includes contributing verbally to class discussions or group activities; engaging through the chat or polls during live sessions and keeping your camera on when possible.
  • ISCM participants will be expected to come prepared to seminar sessions each week by completing reading and portfolio assignments.  
  • Participants should ensure they sign up for a seminar time zone in which they can consistently and actively engage in the application form.
  • We expect our participants to adhere to all ISCM Community Ground Rules for an Inclusive & Respectful Classroom Space, which includes treating each other with dignity and respect; listening to and learning from participants’ points of view while recognizing that there may be difference of opinions and disagreement; respecting peers and instructors when constructively critiquing their ideas and listening to understand; keeping discussion and comments on topic and relevant to key themes of the ISCM; and a zero tolerance policy on the use of inflammatory, offensive or profane language.

Program Fees & Financial Assistance

While we wish that we could offer the ISCM free of charge, a lot of hard work goes into making the ISCM possible, and we believe it is important to support the team who makes it all happen!  

The standard participation fee for the eight-week ISCM program is: $800 USD

Accepted applicants will be expected to confirm their enrolment and pay the programme fee shortly after receiving an offer in April.

Financial Assistance:

We recognize that not everyone has equal access to financial resources. For this reason, we offer a limited number of scholarships for applicants who would otherwise be unable to participate.

These places are reserved for those facing significant financial barriers, with priority given to individuals who have experienced impacts on their lives through displacement, dispossession, climate-related disasters, as well as grassroots organizers and frontline advocates whose work constrains their access to income or stability.

Financial support is limited and highly competitive. Requesting assistance does not guarantee that it can be offered. All requests are assessed through the application form and treated as strictly confidential.

Legal Notice

As an organisation operating under U.S. jurisdiction, we are required to comply with regulations administered by the United States executive branch, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In certain cases, these regulations may limit our ability to process payments or provide services or financial support for individuals in certain countries or jurisdictions.

How To Apply

Applications will only be accepted through the 2026 ISCM Online Application Form, and will close February 28.

What you can expect on the online application form:  

  • Provide general information (e.g. name, email address etc.)  
  • Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria and understand our attendance, participation and engagement expectations  
  • Comprehensively answer questions about your motivation and interest to enroll at the ISCM
  • Indicate your preferred seminar cohort choice based on time zone and capacity to participate
  • If applicable, request consideration for scholarships and confirm how your situation aligns with the purpose of the scholarship support.  

We will assess our applicants on the following criteria:  

  • Meets eligibility requirements  
  • Demonstrable interest in researching and/or advocating around issues addressed at the ISCM  
  • Indication that participating at the ISCM will aid the applicant in (future) research and advocacy pursuits and career development  
  • Indication that the applicant will be actively engaged during ISCM sessions and seminar discussions, contributing to a respectful and enriching dialogical forum  

Application process:  

  • 07 February 2026 – Call for Applications opens   ‍
  • 28 February 2026– Application deadline  
  • Beginning of April – Notification of application outcome  
  • April 30 – Payment deadline

Apply now

2026 ISCM Online Application Form

Application deadline: February 28, 2026  

As an organisation operating under U.S. jurisdiction, we are required to comply with regulations administered by the United States executive branch, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). In certain cases, these regulations may limit our ability to process payments or provide services or financial support for individuals in certain countries or jurisdictions.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll get back to you soon.

iscm@beyondclimatecollaborative.org

In partnership with:

UC Berkley Othering & Belonging Institute
ISCM 2025
"Participating in ISCM as a representative of mountain community was deeply affirming. The program bridged academic rigour with lived realities, offering space to reflect critically on climate mobility from Indigenous, decolonial, and justice-based perspectives. I especially valued the diverse voices, interdisciplinary framing, and openness to non-Western epistemologies. Joining ISCM felt like coming home to a global community that cares deeply about justice, place, and people on the move. As an Indonesian from rural regions, I often feel our stories are missing from climate discussions, but here, I felt heard. The sessions challenged and inspired me, not just intellectually, but emotionally. I walked away with a stronger sense of purpose, new friendships, and language to speak about the things my community lives every day. I’m deeply grateful for this space."
Riza Annisa Anggraeni
Project Leader
Project Sonorou (Indonesia)
ISCM 2024
“My experience with the ISCM was transformative and enlightening. Collaborating with over 100 diverse scholars and practitioners Globally, we delved into the intricate challenges of climate-related (im)mobilities. Over six weeks, the program provided a robust educational journey, fostering critical analysis and dialogue across social sciences, environmental studies, and development disciplines during lectures and seminars. Expert insights and firsthand accounts of climate impacts enriched my understanding, guiding me towards creating inclusive and sustainable solutions to impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities worldwide”
Dr. Lucy Mandillah
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Kenya)
ISCM 2023
"The ISCM was an eye-opening experience for me, a first-generation learner and internal climate migrant, as we delved into the complex world of climate change, mobility, refuge, and migration. Connecting with experts and peers, I learned about the global impact of climate-induced displacement, inspiring me to contribute towards a sustainable future and igniting a passion for environmental advocacy"
Prashant Jibhakate
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (India)
ISCM 2024
“ISCM was the community I didn't know I needed. I learned so much over the six weeks, and the fact that the speakers came from everywhere and brought with them knowledge that I could not otherwise have found if I stayed in places where I usually am (e.g. UNFCCC, Philippine policy landscape, even the confines of school) helped in create an enlightening and informative school. The reflections of the other participants were always thought-provoking, and it was a really crucial - and safe - space for me to learn, unlearn, and relearn things"
Jameela Joy Reyes
Manila Observatory, Friends of the Earth Philippines (Philippines)
ISCM 2023
"The experts that presented during the lectures and those who moderated the seminars were very open to questions and felt like they were learning along the way with the participants"
Radwa Adel Hassan Adawy
SOAS University of London (Egypt)
ISCM 2025
"Well done on the organisation, seamless! Thank you for showing up with your entire selves, and as such inspiring people to do the same. Well structured, clear and logical programme, great lecturers, and engaging."
Lene Pritchard
Development Coordinator
University of Queensland (Australia)
ISCM 2022
“It was one of the most refreshing programs with diverse themes, current issues anchored in a range of complex social, political, economic and environmental dynamics”
Dr. Kebede Kassa
IGAD (Ethiopia)
ISCM 2022
“The platform is one of a kind and probably the only one to help unravel the many facets of climate change and migration in a holistic and interactive manner. It has helped me humanise an otherwise seemingly distant phenomenon like climate change”
Anonymous Participant
ISCM 2022
“The ISCM has been a very enjoyable experience! I learnt a lot from the speakers and also from the other participants. I find it really reassuring to see so many people around the world interested in Climate Migration and eager to find solutions... After the class, I was even more eager to continue researching on this topic and had more questions/ideas for future research."
Justine Julia Yvonne
FLASCO University, Argentina (Ecuador)
ISCM 2024
“I loved learning from all the many different experts, scholars and practitioners that came to every class, as well as sharing this space with students from all over the world. In particular, it think the perspectives, experiences and case studies shared from the Global South enriched the School in a very unique way. And the integration of critical discussions about race, ethnicity or gender made the classes more engaging and challenging. After these 6 weeks, I left with more questions than answers - in a way that it has encouraged me to keep diving into the topic of climate (im)mobilities”
Esther Montesinos Calvo-Fernández
University Cork College (Spain)

Be the first to know when to apply

Applications for the 2026 ISCM programme are now open!

Apply now for the 2026 ISCM Programme