8.1 Climate refugees
8 min read•august 20, 2024
are people forced to leave their homes due to climate change impacts like rising seas, extreme weather, and droughts. This growing issue challenges traditional refugee definitions and highlights the need for new legal frameworks and international cooperation.
The number of climate refugees is expected to rise dramatically in coming decades. This will strain resources in destination countries and potentially fuel social tensions. Addressing requires proactive policies, , and efforts.
Defining climate refugees
- Climate refugees are individuals or groups forced to leave their homes due to the adverse effects of climate change
- They are displaced by environmental factors such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and prolonged droughts
- Climate refugees often face unique challenges, as they may not fit the traditional definition of a refugee under international law
Causes of climate migration
Sea level rise
Top images from around the web for Sea level rise
Sea level rise - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The future of climate refugees | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
Is this image relevant?
figure 5.20 climate change 2008 - sea level rise.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
Sea level rise - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The future of climate refugees | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Sea level rise
Sea level rise - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The future of climate refugees | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
Is this image relevant?
figure 5.20 climate change 2008 - sea level rise.eps View original
Is this image relevant?
Sea level rise - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
The future of climate refugees | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Rising global temperatures cause thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of land-based ice, leading to sea level rise
- Coastal communities and low-lying islands are particularly vulnerable to inundation and erosion
- Sea level rise can lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and agricultural land, making them unusable
- Examples of areas affected by sea level rise include the Maldives, Tuvalu, and the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
Extreme weather events
- Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, and floods
- These events can cause widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, forcing people to migrate
- Examples include Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico (2017) and Cyclone Idai in Mozambique (2019)
Drought and desertification
- Changes in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures can lead to prolonged droughts and desertification
- Droughts can cause crop failures, food insecurity, and water scarcity, driving people to seek better opportunities elsewhere
- Desertification reduces the amount of arable land available for agriculture, further exacerbating migration pressures
- Examples include the Sahel region of Africa and parts of the Middle East
Global scale of climate refugees
Current estimates
- The exact number of climate refugees is difficult to determine, as there is no universally accepted definition or tracking mechanism
- Estimates vary widely, ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of people currently displaced by climate-related factors
- The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) reported that 30.7 million people were newly displaced by disasters in 2020, many of which were climate-related
Future projections
- The number of climate refugees is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades as the impacts of climate change intensify
- The World Bank estimates that by 2050, up to 143 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America could be forced to move within their countries due to climate change
- Some projections suggest that there could be as many as 1 billion climate refugees by the end of the 21st century
Legal status of climate refugees
Lack of legal recognition
- Climate refugees do not have a legally recognized status under international law, as the 1951 Refugee Convention does not include environmental factors as grounds for refugee status
- This lack of legal recognition leaves climate refugees without the same protections and rights as traditionally recognized refugees
- The term "climate refugee" itself is not officially recognized, with some preferring terms like "climate migrant" or "environmentally displaced person"
Challenges for international law
- The international community has been slow to address the issue of climate migration and develop legal frameworks to protect those affected
- There are debates about whether the Refugee Convention should be amended to include climate refugees or if a new, separate legal instrument is needed
- Challenges include determining the threshold for what constitutes climate-induced displacement and addressing the multi-causal nature of migration
Impacts on origin countries
Economic losses
- Climate-related disasters and slow-onset events can cause significant economic losses in origin countries
- Damage to infrastructure, agricultural land, and other productive assets can hinder economic growth and development
- The loss of human capital through migration can also have negative economic consequences
Brain drain
- Climate migration often involves the movement of skilled and educated individuals, leading to a "brain drain" in origin countries
- This loss of human capital can hinder innovation, productivity, and the delivery of essential services like healthcare and education
- Brain drain can exacerbate existing inequalities and slow down economic and social progress
Political instability
- Climate-related stressors can contribute to political instability and conflict in origin countries
- Competition over scarce resources, such as water and arable land, can lead to social tensions and violence
- The mass displacement of people can strain governance systems and undermine political legitimacy
- Examples include the role of drought in the Syrian conflict and the link between climate change and farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria
Impacts on destination countries
Strain on resources and infrastructure
- Large-scale climate migration can put pressure on the resources and infrastructure of destination countries
- Increased demand for housing, healthcare, education, and other services can strain existing systems
- Destination countries may struggle to accommodate the needs of both migrants and local populations
Social and cultural tensions
- The arrival of climate refugees can lead to social and cultural tensions in destination countries
- Differences in language, religion, and customs can create challenges for integration and social cohesion
- Misconceptions and stereotypes about migrants can fuel discrimination and xenophobia
Political backlash against migrants
- The influx of climate refugees can trigger political backlash and anti-immigrant sentiment in destination countries
- Populist and nationalist movements may exploit fears about migration to gain political support
- Governments may adopt more restrictive migration policies in response to public pressure
- Examples include the rise of anti-immigrant parties in Europe and the political discourse surrounding migration in the United States
Case studies of climate migration
Pacific Island nations
- Many Pacific Island nations, such as Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands, are facing existential threats from rising sea levels
- These low-lying islands are experiencing coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and more frequent flooding
- Some Pacific Island nations are exploring options for and migration pathways to other countries
- Kiribati has purchased land in Fiji as a potential resettlement site for its population
Sub-Saharan Africa
- Sub-Saharan Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including drought, desertification, and extreme weather events
- Countries in the Sahel region, such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, have experienced increased desertification and land degradation
- Drought and famine have driven migration in countries like Somalia and South Sudan
- Climate change is expected to exacerbate existing migration patterns and create new ones
South and Southeast Asia
- South and Southeast Asia are home to some of the world's most densely populated and climate-vulnerable regions
- Bangladesh, a low-lying country with a large coastal population, is particularly at risk from sea level rise and cyclones
- The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is experiencing saltwater intrusion and land subsidence, threatening the livelihoods of millions
- Climate-related migration in the region is often intertwined with other factors such as economic opportunities and urbanization
International responses to climate migration
UN Global Compact for Migration
- The UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, adopted in 2018, is the first global agreement to address all aspects of international migration
- The compact recognizes the role of climate change as a driver of migration and calls for measures to address the challenges posed by climate-related displacement
- However, the compact is non-binding and its implementation depends on the political will of member states
Regional agreements and initiatives
- Some regions have developed their own agreements and initiatives to address climate migration
- The Pacific Islands Forum has adopted the , which recognizes climate change as the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of Pacific peoples
- The African Union has established the , which provides a framework for protecting and assisting internally displaced persons, including those displaced by natural disasters
- Regional cooperation can help to share best practices, pool resources, and develop coordinated responses to climate migration
Adaptation and resilience strategies
Disaster risk reduction
- Disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies aim to minimize the impacts of climate-related hazards and reduce the need for displacement
- DRR measures include early warning systems, evacuation plans, and the construction of resilient infrastructure
- Investing in DRR can help communities to better withstand and recover from climate shocks
Climate change mitigation
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming is crucial for minimizing the long-term impacts of climate change and the scale of climate migration
- Mitigation efforts include transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and protecting carbon sinks like forests
- Ambitious climate action is necessary to avoid the worst-case scenarios for climate displacement
Planned relocation and resettlement
- In some cases, planned relocation and resettlement may be necessary to move communities out of harm's way
- Planned relocation involves the voluntary, organized movement of people from high-risk areas to safer locations
- Successful relocation requires careful planning, consultation with affected communities, and support for livelihoods and social networks in the new location
- Examples of planned relocation include the Vunidogoloa village in Fiji, which was relocated due to coastal erosion and flooding
Ethical considerations and responsibilities
Climate justice and equity
- Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalized communities, who have contributed the least to the problem
- seeks to address these inequities and ensure that the burdens and benefits of climate action are fairly distributed
- Protecting the rights and dignity of climate refugees is a matter of climate justice
Role of developed vs developing countries
- Developed countries have a greater historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and a greater capacity to support climate adaptation and migration
- The principle of "" suggests that developed countries should take the lead in addressing climate change and supporting developing countries
- Developed countries can provide financial, technical, and capacity-building support to help developing countries manage climate migration
- However, the scale of the challenge requires global cooperation and shared responsibility
Future outlook and challenges
Potential for increased conflict
- Climate change and migration can interact with other factors, such as resource scarcity, political instability, and ethnic tensions, to increase the risk of conflict
- Competition over diminishing resources, such as water and arable land, can fuel social and political unrest
- The mass displacement of people can strain social cohesion and create conditions for conflict
- Addressing the root causes of climate migration and promoting sustainable development can help to mitigate these risks
Need for proactive policies and planning
- Governments and the international community need to develop proactive policies and plans to manage climate migration in a humane and orderly manner
- This includes improving legal frameworks to protect the rights of climate refugees, investing in adaptation and resilience, and supporting sustainable development in origin and destination countries
- Proactive planning can help to minimize the negative impacts of climate migration and maximize the potential benefits, such as remittances and skills transfer
- However, political will and international cooperation will be essential to address this complex and cross-cutting challenge
Key Terms to Review (25)
Adaptation Strategies: Adaptation strategies refer to the methods and approaches that individuals, communities, and governments use to adjust and cope with the impacts of climate change. These strategies are crucial in managing the risks posed by environmental changes, especially for populations facing displacement due to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other climate-related challenges. Successful adaptation involves integrating these strategies into planning and policy-making to enhance resilience against future climate-related threats.
Barbara W. Johnson: Barbara W. Johnson was an influential scholar and a prominent figure in the fields of feminist theory, cultural studies, and political geography. Her work often focused on how gender, race, and social justice intersect with environmental issues, particularly regarding the impact of climate change on marginalized communities, contributing significantly to the discourse surrounding climate refugees.
Boe Declaration: The Boe Declaration refers to a significant document related to the recognition and protection of climate refugees, highlighting the need for international legal frameworks to address their rights and needs. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that environmental degradation, especially due to climate change, can force people to flee their homes, thereby creating a new category of refugees who require protection and assistance.
Climate change mitigation: Climate change mitigation refers to efforts aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases to limit the extent of global warming and its associated impacts. These efforts include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing carbon sinks, all of which are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and its effects on human populations and ecosystems.
Climate justice: Climate justice refers to the fair treatment of all people in the context of climate change, addressing the disproportionate impacts that vulnerable and marginalized communities face. It highlights the need for equitable distribution of resources and responsibilities related to climate change, ensuring that those who contribute least to the problem are not burdened with the most severe consequences. This concept connects deeply with issues surrounding climate refugees and the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by environmental changes.
Climate migration: Climate migration refers to the movement of people who are forced to leave their homes and communities due to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and environmental degradation. This phenomenon is increasingly recognized as a significant global issue, with implications for security, governance, and human rights as populations are displaced and seek refuge elsewhere.
Climate refugees: Climate refugees are individuals or groups of people who are forced to leave their homes due to sudden or gradual changes in their environment caused by climate change. These changes can include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and long-term shifts in climate patterns, which threaten their livelihoods and safety. The issue of climate refugees connects deeply with the need for effective climate change mitigation strategies, international climate diplomacy, considerations of climate security, the moral implications of displacement, and the broader discussions surrounding climate justice.
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities: Common but differentiated responsibilities refers to the principle that while all countries share a common responsibility to protect the environment and address climate change, the extent of these responsibilities varies based on each country’s capabilities and contributions to the problem. This concept recognizes the different economic and developmental circumstances of countries, particularly distinguishing between developed and developing nations in their obligations towards sustainable development and climate action.
Critical Geopolitics: Critical geopolitics is a field of study that examines the ways in which geopolitical knowledge is constructed and how it influences political power, identity, and conflict. It challenges traditional geopolitical narratives by emphasizing the importance of discourse, representation, and the social contexts in which geopolitical ideas are produced. This perspective connects to various aspects, such as how borders are perceived, the political implications of environmental change, and the experiences of displaced populations.
Disaster relief: Disaster relief refers to the organized efforts to provide immediate assistance to communities affected by natural or man-made disasters. This support often includes food, shelter, medical aid, and rebuilding efforts to help victims recover and rebuild their lives. The effectiveness of disaster relief is increasingly linked to the growing number of climate refugees, as changing environmental conditions force people to leave their homes.
Disaster risk reduction: Disaster risk reduction (DRR) refers to the systematic approach aimed at minimizing the impact of natural and human-made disasters through proactive measures. This involves assessing risks, implementing preventative strategies, and enhancing community resilience to better prepare for potential disasters. Effective DRR not only saves lives but also protects livelihoods and supports sustainable development efforts.
Environmental Displacement: Environmental displacement refers to the forced movement of individuals or communities due to environmental factors that compromise their living conditions, such as natural disasters, climate change, and ecological degradation. This phenomenon is increasingly relevant as climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and loss of arable land, making it a key aspect of understanding the plight of climate refugees.
Environmental Governance: Environmental governance refers to the processes, rules, and institutions that manage human interactions with the environment, ensuring sustainable development and resource use. This concept encompasses the ways in which decisions are made regarding environmental policies, as well as the role of various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, in shaping those policies. It emphasizes collaboration and multi-level participation to address complex environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Geopolitical ecology: Geopolitical ecology is an interdisciplinary framework that examines the interactions between political, economic, and environmental processes, emphasizing how these dynamics influence power relations and territorial governance. This approach highlights the significance of ecological factors in shaping geopolitical strategies and conflicts, revealing how issues like resource scarcity and environmental change can lead to political tensions and migration patterns.
Human Security Theory: Human security theory is an approach to understanding security that emphasizes the protection and well-being of individuals rather than states. It expands the traditional concept of security by addressing various threats that affect human life, such as poverty, health issues, and environmental degradation, promoting a holistic view of safety and stability.
Kampala Convention: The Kampala Convention is a regional legal framework established in 2009 in Kampala, Uganda, that addresses the protection and rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Africa. It is significant because it recognizes the responsibility of African states to prevent displacement, protect IDPs, and ensure their rights, particularly in the context of armed conflicts and natural disasters, including those caused by climate change.
Michael Redclift: Michael Redclift is a prominent scholar known for his contributions to the field of environmental studies and political geography, particularly concerning climate change and its social impacts. He focuses on the connections between environmental degradation, development policies, and the displacement of populations, making him a significant figure in discussions about climate refugees and sustainable practices.
Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to address climate change and its impacts, adopted in December 2015 and entered into force in November 2016. It brings together nearly all countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Planned relocation: Planned relocation refers to the organized movement of individuals or communities away from areas that are becoming increasingly uninhabitable due to factors like climate change, natural disasters, or environmental degradation. This proactive strategy aims to ensure the safety and well-being of displaced populations, often involving government or institutional support to facilitate the transition to new, more sustainable locations.
Refugee assistance: Refugee assistance refers to the support and services provided to individuals who have been forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. This assistance includes basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and legal aid, aimed at helping refugees rebuild their lives and integrate into new communities. It is crucial for addressing the immediate and long-term challenges faced by refugees, especially in the context of climate change and displacement.
Resettlement policies: Resettlement policies are governmental strategies aimed at relocating individuals or communities, often in response to environmental, social, or economic pressures. These policies are especially relevant in the context of climate change, where populations may be forced to move due to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, or resource scarcity. The implementation of such policies can have significant implications for human rights, social integration, and local economies.
Resource conflict: Resource conflict refers to disputes and tensions that arise over the control and allocation of natural resources, such as water, land, minerals, and energy sources. These conflicts often escalate due to factors like scarcity, competition among various groups, and environmental changes. In many cases, resource conflicts are linked to broader issues of governance, economic inequality, and social unrest, making them a significant concern in today's world.
Territorial sovereignty: Territorial sovereignty refers to the exclusive right of a state to exercise control over its territory and govern its affairs without external interference. This concept is foundational in international law, establishing the principle that states have authority over the land, resources, and people within their borders. The implications of territorial sovereignty are significant in understanding conflicts, governance, and human rights issues related to various factors such as territorial disputes and climate change-induced migration.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts through cooperation among nations. Established in 1992, the convention sets a framework for negotiating specific protocols that aim to limit greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change effects. This treaty plays a crucial role in facilitating global efforts to combat climate change and address issues related to environmental sustainability, impacting areas like migration patterns and adaptation strategies for communities affected by climate-related challenges.
Vulnerability: Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of individuals, communities, or systems to harm, particularly in the face of external shocks or stressors. In the context of climate change, it highlights how certain populations are more likely to be affected by environmental changes, such as natural disasters, due to various factors like socio-economic status, location, and existing resilience measures.