Beyond origin stories: a literature review of climate migration frameworks and potential implications for the Great Lakes

Climate migration research overwhelmingly examines socioeconomic and cultural aspects of people moving from their origin communities, yet minimal studies address what happens at receiving regions. This leaves potential receiving regions without guidance on infrastructure needs, service demands, or integration capacity. This literature review synthesizes definitions, theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, methodological limitations, and critical research gaps, with particular attention to the Great Lakes region as a potential destination for climate-induced migrants. By establishing theoretical and empirical foundation for understanding climate migration through the lens of receiving communities, this review, together with companion analysis of infrastructure and capacity questions, aims to equip Great Lakes municipalities with informed analysis to stimulate on-time preparations.