There is an increasing recognition that climate change is shaping migration
patterns, particularly in contexts that are disproportionately and unfairly
affected by climate-related events. In this study, we focus on the lived
experiences of internal and international migrants from/in Mozambique - a
country highly affected by climate change - to understand the factors and
processes that shape their agency and political power. Their experiences are
examined following an intersectional climate mobility justice framework and the
aspirations-capabilities model. Specifically, we focus on how Mozambican
migrants exert and perceive their sense of agency in relation to climate
change, at two levels: (1) migratory agency (e.g., decision to migrate; where to
migrate) and (2) political power in relation to climate change (e.g., ability to
respond to climate change; participate in climate policies; contribute to build
alternative futures). Between February and April 2025, we conducted 42 semi
structured interviews with Mozambican migrants from different socio-economic
backgrounds who have moved from Mozambique to South Africa and Portugal
or internally within Mozambique. The interviews explored their migration
experience, views and modes of engagement with climate change, and their
sense of agency and power in relation to migration and climate change. Using
Reflexive Thematic Analysis, in this talk, we focus our analysis on how
participants exert agency and power in relation to climate change and how
such experiences are shaped by factors such as gender, age, and education.
The ability to make decisions and act politically in relation to climate change is
key for achieving climate justice. By understanding the barriers that constrain
the construction of agency and political power, our study has practical
implications for developing more inclusive policies and programmes that
recognise the nuanced and complex migration experiences in the context of
climate change.

Key-words: climate justice; migration; agency; aspirations-capabilities