Earth logo

The Connection Between Climate Change and Forced Migration, Particularly In Developing Countries

By Brother Lawrence Luke

By Lawrence LukePublished about a year ago 2 min read
Like
The Connection Between Climate Change and Forced Migration, Particularly In Developing Countries
Photo by Sumit on Unsplash

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today, and its effects are already being felt by millions of people around the world. One of the most significant consequences of climate change is forced migration, particularly in developing countries. The connection between climate change and forced migration is complex and multi-faceted, and it's essential to understand this connection if we're to address the issue effectively.

One of the most obvious ways in which climate change leads to forced migration is through the displacement of people due to natural disasters such as floods, storms, and droughts. A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change in 2020 found that between 2008 and 2018, 17.2 million people were displaced globally by climate-related disasters. This number is expected to increase in the coming years as the frequency and severity of natural disasters continue to increase due to climate change.

Another way in which climate change leads to forced migration is through the loss of land and livelihoods. A study published in the journal Global Environmental Change in 2019 found that in developing countries, climate change is leading to desertification, sea-level rise, and land degradation, which is making it increasingly difficult for people to earn a living from the land. As a result, many people are forced to migrate in search of better opportunities.

Climate change also exacerbates existing conflicts and political instability, which can also lead to forced migration. A study published in the journal Political Geography in 2018 found that in many developing countries, climate change is exacerbating conflicts over resources such as water and land, which can lead to forced migration. Additionally, political instability and weak governance in many developing countries make it difficult for people to access the resources they need to survive, which can also lead to forced migration.

It's worth noting that forced migration due to climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as women, children, and indigenous peoples. A study published in the journal Gender, Place, and Culture in 2017 found that in many developing countries, women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and forced migration. This is because they often have fewer resources and less power than men, which makes it more difficult for them to adapt to changing conditions.

In conclusion, the connection between climate change and forced migration is complex and multi-faceted. Climate change leads to forced migration through the displacement of people due to natural disasters, the loss of land and livelihoods, and the exacerbation of existing conflicts and political instability. Additionally, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. It's essential that we take a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to addressing this issue, and that we involve affected communities in the process. This includes supporting the development of resilience and adaptive capacities, as well as ensuring that the rights of affected people are respected and protected.

References:

Nature Climate Change. "Climate-related displacement in the context of the Paris Agreement." (2020)

Global Environmental Change. "Climate change, land degradation and forced migration." (2019)

Political Geography. "Climate change, conflict and forced migration." (2018)

Gender, Place, and Culture. "Climate change, forced migration and gender." (2017)

AdvocacySustainabilityScienceNatureHumanityClimate
Like

About the Creator

Lawrence Luke

Meet Lawrence Luke, Founder and CEO of 360 Thinking Consultancy, an expert in Research and decision making. He helps organizations and individuals make better decisions through research and analysis. Follow him on WhatsApp +265996655810.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.