What are push factors in migration?

Push factors in migration refer specifically to the conditions and circumstances that compel individuals to leave their current location. These factors can include a variety of issues such as economic hardships, political instability, violence, lack of job opportunities, and environmental disasters. When people experience these negative conditions, they may feel motivated or forced to seek a better life in a different place, thus "pushing" them away from their home region.

In contrast, the other choices address different aspects of migration. For instance, factors that attract people to a new area are referred to as pull factors, not push factors. Employment opportunities are a type of pull factor, as they draw individuals to a new location rather than pushing them from their current one. Lastly, while climate change can influence migration patterns, it is typically seen as a complex factor that may contribute to both push and pull elements but does not singularly define the concept of push factors. Thus, the selection of push factors as something that compels individuals to leave aligns with migration theory and the context of migration studies.