7.12 Discussion: Where could the ‘nexus’ approach be applied in future? Climate change and migration

climate change and migration 

Climate change and migration are two pressing issues of our time. Climate change has led to severe weather events such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and hurricanes, which have caused damage to crops, infrastructure, and livelihoods. As a result, people are increasingly moving to seek better living conditions and opportunities. This phenomenon is known as climate-induced migration, and it poses complex challenges for policymakers and practitioners.

Climate-induced migration is not a new phenomenon, but it is gaining attention as the effects of climate change become more severe. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), an estimated 17.2 million people were displaced by climate-related disasters in 2018 alone. This number is expected to increase in the coming years as the impacts of climate change become more widespread.

The link between climate change and migration is not straightforward, and it is influenced by various factors such as economic, social, political, and environmental conditions. Climate change can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and inequalities, which can lead to displacement and migration. For example, small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa who rely on rain-fed agriculture are particularly vulnerable to droughts, which can force them to migrate in search of alternative livelihoods.

Furthermore, climate-induced migration can have significant social and economic implications, both for the communities of origin and destination. In some cases, it can lead to social conflict, competition for resources, and marginalization of already vulnerable groups. In other cases, it can provide opportunities for development and economic growth, especially in urban areas. Therefore, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that considers the interlinkages between climate change, migration, and development.

The nexus between climate change and migration has gained increasing attention from policymakers, academics, and practitioners in recent years. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has recognized the importance of addressing climate-induced migration and has included it as a key area of work under the Loss and Damage Mechanism. Moreover, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) adopted in 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities of migration.

In conclusion, climate change and migration are two interlinked issues that pose significant challenges for global development. It is essential to adopt a holistic and integrated approach that considers the economic, social, political, and environmental dimensions of these issues. Furthermore, it is crucial to address the root causes of climate-induced migration, including poverty, inequality, and vulnerability, and to promote policies and actions that ensure the protection and well-being of affected populations.

References:

1. Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. (2019). Global Report on Internal Displacement 2019. Geneva: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.

2.International Organization for Migration. (2020). Migration, Environment and Climate Change: Evidence for Policy. Geneva: International Organization for Migration.

3.United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2019). Loss and Damage Mechanism. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/topics/adaptation-and-resilience/workstreams/loss-and-damage

4.United Nations General Assembly. (2018). Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Retrieved from https://refugeesmigrants.un.org/migration-compact