Building a Sustainable Future: Recommendations for Addressing Climate-Induced Migration Challenges
In the contemporary global context, which is characterised by the urgency of recognising limited natural resources, the lucidity of Benjamin Franklin’s statement: “When the well is dry, we know the value of water”[1] proves particularly appropriate. The discussions on the global stage regarding climate change, its causes, and effects are becoming increasingly prevalent, highlighting the growing interest for international actors to work towards Sustainable Development Goals.
The very nature of climate change, demonstrating a complex and multifaceted DNA, suggests that proposing recommendations to address challenges related to climate-induced migration requires, first and foremost, considering a comprehensive approach from all necessary perspectives. Therefore, this article is structured along three axes: a global analysis of the general impacts of climate change on civilian populations; a review of the definition of “climate refuge”; as well as the importance of strengthening international and humanitarian cooperation.
For the sake of comprehension and precision, it is necessary, above all, to clarify some points. In terms of the environment, the types of effects produced by climate change are twofold: a sudden phenomenon and a slow phenomenon. The first encompasses events such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and intensified floods, characterised by their rapid and unpredictable nature. In contrast, slow-evolving disasters, including resource depletion, water and air pollution, desertification, deforestation, and rising sea levels, develop gradually over time.
The consequences of disasters on humans, caused by climate change, are reflected in the alarming statistics from the International Organization for Migration, revealing a staggering figure of 60.9 million internal displacements in 2022 alone, representing a 60% increase compared to the previous year[2]. The increase in this figure over the years raises concerns about the future security of populations in sensitive and vulnerable regions. For example, the Pacific islands of Kiribati face a worrying future, with sea levels predicted to rise by 1 to 1.6 meters by 2100[3].
This means that in about 80 years, 250 to 400 million people will certainly have to find a new accommodation[4]. Sub-Saharan Africa also stands out as a region of the world highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Drought continues to significantly impact the geographical area, with nearly 70% of the inhabitants of these territories relying on agriculture for their livelihood[5]. Similarly, the Horn of Africa is not spared and has been grappling with severe drought since 2020. On February 28, 2023, the United Nations Refugee Agency revealed that, due to prolonged deprivations for more than three years in the Horn of Africa, 3.3 million people are internally displaced in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya[6].
Regarding the populations in the region migrating outward, they are notably attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea[7]. The growing concerns about migrations induced by climate change raise questions regarding the recognition of rights and the establishment of a specific status for populations exiled from their lands. Drawing on the 1951 United Nations Convention, a refugee is defined as a person who has a “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion[8]“.
The evolving legal discourse raises the question of whether climate change can be interpreted as a ground for persecution. Several countries, such as Italy, stand out for their forward-thinking approach by incorporating the consequences of climate change into their legal frameworks[9]. They acknowledge threats to the right to life that extend beyond direct loss, encompassing substantial deterioration of living conditions, environmental degradation, and unsustainable development. Identifying climate change as a significant incentive for migration, the World Bank anticipate that more than 200 million people could migrate internally by 2050 due to the deterioration of environmental conditions[10].
The numerous and far-reaching implications of these migratory inflows are reflected in social tensions within host countries, often accompanied by palpable xenophobia[11]. Therefore, the imperative to protect climate-displaced populations, both by granting them legal status and preventing their persecution, has become crucial. However, currently, the term ‘climate refugee’ still lacks widespread recognition within the international community. The absence of a universally recognised and legally binding definition accentuates the insecurity and vulnerability into which people displaced by climate phenomena are plunged, particularly in terms of protection, rights, and assistance.
Finally, in addition to an understanding of climate disasters and the need for the establishment of a climate refugee status, addressing these complex challenges cannot occur without an urgent humanitarian response[12]. The international cooperation agreements regarding immediate humanitarian aid to victims of natural disasters must achieve a more dynamic and effective approach by transcending borders and reaching common positions on the strategy for long-term recovery with a vision of sustainability. The suggestions proposed here for the international community, and more specifically for its constituent actors, include the formulation as well as the support for mechanisms of preparation and response to current and future climate migrations.
A cooperative system, taking into account the nuanced aspects of these migratory phenomena and integrating realistic and solid international agreements, constitutes fertile ground for resilience and response to the global challenges caused by climate change. The need to immediately provide humanitarian aid, food, and shelter to populations directly affected by environmental disasters must be a priority. Simultaneously, strategies outlined in a long-term vision must prioritise sustainable projects for the conservation of natural spaces and the preservation of a way of life adapted to resident populations. Furthermore, the ecological transition towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy is fundamental. Decisions in this matter must consider global challenges and the extent to which various economic sectors contribute to pollution. Investment in innovations that enable a reduction of greenhouse gases is crucial for a medium and long-term transition.
In conclusion, addressing the challenges posed by climate-induced migrations requires considering its urgent and multifaceted nature. Responses to climate disasters must be swift, with short-term strategies useful for urgent humanitarian situations. Moreover, even though some countries are considering a legal framework for climate-induced migrations, the development of an official and universal definition of ‘climate refugee’ remains essential. Regarding international cooperation agreements for a sustainable environmental future, they must stand out for their dynamism and effectiveness by transcending borders and aligning with long-term strategies.
At all levels, it is important to formulate mechanisms for preparing and responding to climate-induced migrations that are resilient. In addition to addressing immediate humanitarian challenges, priority should also be given to sustainable development projects for the conservation of nature and ecosystems near vulnerable inhabited regions. Finally, from an economic point of view, innovation in technologies for reducing greenhouse gases as well as actions taken to reduce pollution on a global level in the long term are measures that must intensify. Meeting these challenges requires approaching them with a cooperative and large-scale perspective to protect the most vulnerable populations and build a sustainable future in the face of the effects of climate change.
References:
CE Noticias Financieras. “Drought in the Horn of Africa has Led to 3.3 Million Displacements.” Feb 28, 2023. Translated by Content Engine, L. L. C. https://www.proquest.com/wire-feeds/drought-horn-africa-has-led-3-million/docview/2781347257/se-2.
Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, art. 1(2), 189 U.N.T.S. 150, July 28, 1951, entered into force Apr. 22, 1954.
Crawleya, Heaven, and Brad K. Blitz. “Common agenda or Europe’s agenda? International protection, human rights and migration from the Horn of Africa.” Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 45, no. 12 (2019): 2258–2274. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2018.1468393.
Dabashi, Hamid. “Europe and its Shadows,” In Europe and Its Shadows : Coloniality after Empire, 82-104. London: Pluto Press, 2019.
Franklin, Benjamin. “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
International Organization for Migration. “Record Number of 60.9 Million Internal Displacements in 2022: IDMC Report.” May 11, 2023. https://www.iom.int/news/record-number-609-million-internal-displacements-2022-idmc-report.
United Nations. “Climate Change-induced Sea-Level Rise Direct Threat to Millions around World, Secretary-General Tells Security Council.” February 14, 2023. https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15199.doc.htm.
United Nations, “UN urges dramatic climate action as records keep tumbling,” November 20, 2023, https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/11/1143777.
World Bank. “Climate Change Could Force 216 Million People to Migrate Within Their Own Countries by 2050.” September 13, 2021. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/09/13/climate-change-could-force-216-million-people-to-migrate-within-their-own-countries-by-2050.
World Economic Forum. “70% of Africans make a living through agriculture, and technology could transform their world.” May 6, 2016. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/05/70-of-africans-make-a-living-through-agriculture-and-technology-could-transform-their-world/.
[1] Benjamin Franklin, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
[2] International Organization for Migration, “Record Number of 60.9 Million Internal Displacements in 2022: IDMC Report,” May 11, 2023, https://www.iom.int/news/record-number-609-million-internal-displacements-2022-idmc-report.
[3] United Nations, “Climate Change-induced Sea-Level Rise Direct Threat to Millions around World, Secretary-General Tells Security Council,” February 14, 2023, https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15199.doc.htm.
[4] United Nations, “Climate Change-induced Sea-Level Rise Direct Threat to Millions around World, Secretary-General Tells Security Council,” February 14, 2023, https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15199.doc.htm.
[5] World Economic Forum, “70% of Africans make a living through agriculture, and technology could transform their world,” May 6, 2016, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/05/70-of-africans-make-a-living-through-agriculture-and-technology-could-transform-their-world/.
[6] CE Noticias Financieras, “Drought in the Horn of Africa has Led to 3.3 Million Displacements,” Feb 28, 2023, https://www.proquest.com/wire-feeds/drought-horn-africa-has-led-3-million/docview/2781347257/se-2.
[7] Heaven Crawleya and Brad K. Blitz, “Common agenda or Europe’s agenda? International protection, human rights and migration from the Horn of Africa,” Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 45, no. 12 (2019): 2258–2274, https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183X.2018.1468393.
[8] Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, art. 1(2), 189 U.N.T.S. 150, July 28, 1951, entered into force Apr. 22, 1954.
[9] Example: the Italian Court of Cassation (Corte di Cassazione), in the sentence 5022/2021.
[10] World Bank, “Climate Change Could Force 216 Million People to Migrate Within Their Own Countries by 2050,” September 13, 2021, https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/09/13/climate-change-could-force-216-million-people-to-migrate-within-their-own-countries-by-2050.
[11] Hamid Dabashi, “Europe and its Shadows,” in Europe and Its Shadows : Coloniality after Empire, (London: Pluto Press, 2019) 82-104.
[12] United Nations, “UN urges dramatic climate action as records keep tumbling,” November 20, 2023, https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/11/1143777.
