Distinguish between push and pull factors in migration.

• A. Push factors encourage emigration due to economic opportunities.
• B. Push factors push people away; pull factors attract.
• C. Push factors relate to climate change; pull factors relate to politics.
• D. Push and pull factors have no effect on migration.

Answer: (B)

Push factors are negative conditions that drive people to leave their home, while pull factors are positive attributes that attract people to a new place. The statement that captures this distinction is that push factors push people away and pull factors attract. For example, drought or conflict can push someone to emigrate, whereas a country with better job opportunities or safety can pull them toward it. The other options miscast what drives migration: economic opportunities are typically seen as a pull factor, not something that pushes people away; climate and politics can influence migration in complex ways and aren’t exclusive to one side; and migration almost always involves some effect from these factors, so saying they have no effect is incorrect.