Climate-Induced Displacement and Sustainable Development

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-255-2_5How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Climate-induced migration; Sustainable development; Pacific Islands; Sea level rise; Climate refugees

Abstract

The pervasive consequences of climate change, marked by the relentless ascent of global temperatures, present an unequivocal challenge in the contemporary era. Among its multifaceted impacts, the escalating rise in sea levels poses an imminent threat to the viability of coastal regions and islands. This paper undertakes a nuanced exploration of the intricate interplay between climate change, specifically the surge in sea levels, and the resulting mass displacement of populations. With a specific lens on the Pacific Islands and the Maldives, the analysis unfolds against the urgent imperative to comprehend the socio-economic and environmental implications of climate-induced migration, concurrently contemplating pathways for sustainable development in regions grappling with these challenges. The Pacific Islands and the Maldives, celebrated for their scenic beauty and rich cultural tapestry, find themselves on the frontline of climate-induced adversities. Geographically predisposed due to their low-lying topography, these regions are grappling with the direct consequences of global warming, leading to accelerated sea level rise. This study aims to furnish a comprehensive understanding of the root causes and repercussions of climate change, contextualized within the vulnerability of the Pacific Islands and the Maldives. Central to the narrative is the emergence of a distinctive demographic – climate refugees. Defined by their imperative to vacate their residences due to environmental upheavals, these refugees encounter distinctive challenges in terms of legal acknowledgement and societal assimilation. Employing detailed case studies and personal narratives, this paper intricately investigates the human dimension of climate-induced migration in the Pacific Islands and the Maldives, casting light on the formidable challenges faced by communities adapting to unfamiliar surroundings. The socio-economic ramifications of climate-induced migration reverberate profoundly, encompassing the erosion of customary livelihoods such as fishing and agriculture, alongside the erosion of indigenous cultures. The paper rigorously scrutinizes the economic repercussions for local communities and underscores the pivotal role of cultural preservation in sculpting strategies for sustainable development. Beyond the human spectrum, the environmental impacts are equally consequential. Disruption of ecosystems and the ensuing loss of biodiversity are intricately intertwined with population displacement, prompting contemplation on the interconnectedness of environmental and human systems. The paper meticulously evaluates the harm inflicted upon local ecosystems and delves into conservation efforts amidst the intricate dynamics of climate-induced migration.

In addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate-induced migration, the paper meticulously explores strategies for sustainable development. Initiatives revolving around resettlement and adaptation undergo scrutiny, shedding light on their achievements and limitations. Simultaneously, the paper investigates the facet of international collaboration, underscoring the indispensability of global partnerships in the face of a shared predicament. Yet, the paper remains cognizant of the formidable challenges, both in terms of legality and policy, inherent in tackling climate-induced migration. Lacunae in international and national legal frameworks necessitate a reevaluation of existing policies to accommodate the distinctive status of climate refugees. Concurrently, the abstract posits avant-garde opportunities, advocating for technological strides and policy innovations that harness renewable energy and sustainable practices. This paper also consolidates its findings, proffering comprehensive recommendations tailored for governments, international organizations, and communities navigating the intricacies of climate-induced migration while championing sustainable development. This research encapsulates not only the current landscape of knowledge but also paves the way for prospective research initiatives and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Copyright

© 2024 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Anirudha Choudhury
AU  - Sarvesh Kumar Shahi
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/06/13
TI  - Climate-Induced Displacement and Sustainable Development
BT  - Proceedings of the NDIEAS-2024 International Symposium on New Dimensions and Ideas in Environmental Anthropology-2024 (NDIEAS 2024)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 51
EP  - 64
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-255-2_5
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-255-2_5
ID  - Choudhury2024
ER  -