The Earth provides humans with one of the most basic necessities: shelter. As we abide by our capitalistic ideologies, we are becoming less of a caretaker, but a destroyer of our own home. Sea level is rising, monsoon seasons are coming at uneven intervals, and dry air is fueling forest fires. All these natural irregularities result in environmental migration. Environmental migration, in its scope and impact, presents itself as a major global issue. Yet, this issue remains side-lined from many climate conferences and environmental activism. It is truly ironic how an issue that both stem from and exacerbate climate change can be neglected from climate agendas. This writing sheds light on the pertinence of environmental migration and the societal need for a comprehensive approach to resolving subsequent environmental concerns.
Environmental migration is a complex issue with multiple layers of challenges. An increasing number of people are forced to migrate domestically and internationally due to climate change. Just last year alone, 30.7 million new recorded internal displacement cases occurred due to natural disasters (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre). While sudden onset disasters, such as cyclones and floods, are the main drivers of environmental migration, temperature changes also gradually intensify problems around food security for communities that depend on agriculture. In a couple of decades, desertification and water scarcity may leave 135 million people displaced from their homes (Global Humanitarian Forum). Environmental migration should be considered an imminent threat because it is a segue to numerous human rights violations. Without a secure shelter and stable income, environmental migrants become targets of human trafficking. It is often the most vulnerable within the community - financially challenged women and children - who face the consequences of sexual exploitation and forced labour. Environmental migration also brings about other environmental concerns. An unexpected mass movement of people induces problems around resource management at resettlement sites. Lack of knowledge and guidance on the use of natural capital invokes serious environmental degradation.
Many environmental solutions take preemptive measures designed to delay climate change. These solutions are much needed and imperative to environmental preservation; however, it is also equally important to prepare and implement solutions that mitigate the results of climate change. Despite the severity of environmental migration, the solutions to the problem remain ambiguous and inadequate. Problems such as this cannot be resolved in a blink of an eye. It requires patience, partnerships, and contributions from all sectors of society. Federal and international organizations need to reassess their legal frameworks to be more inclusive of the environmentally displaced communities. Non-profit and civil society organizations should interact with the migrant communities in the field and provide them with resources that will help the community regain resilience. With the right training, migrant communities will be able to incorporate environmental sustainability into their newly adopted lifestyle. Academics can contribute by promoting interconnected discourse on environmental migration. There needs to be more research that highlights the need to view this issue from an environmental, social, and political perspective to inspire thorough future solutions. Individuals can also take part in action by sensitizing themselves to the complex nature of the issue. With the global pandemic, digital activism has gained momentum, and more online lectures and conferences are becoming available to the public.
When we hear that the planet will be warmer by a degree or two in the next 50 years, our mind undermines the seriousness of the matter. While the number may not feel big, the ripple effect of the temperature change is beyond our imagination. Millions of people, especially those who are systematically discriminated against, will lose their homes. Without proper guidance, this increase in migrant communities will lead to misuse of natural resources. Ultimately, sufferers of climate change become drivers of further environmental degradation. Society needs to recognize this vicious cycle and work towards a paradigm shift in our discourse on environmental issues. Environmental solutions no longer only consist of cutting back carbon emissions and reducing waste. If we truly want to address environmental issues, we need to overcome the disconnect that exists in our current system and cultivate a joint network of expertise.
Bibliography
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). 2021 Global Report on Internal Displacement. Geneva: IDMC, 2021. Accessed November 20, 2021. https://www.internal-displacement.org/global-report/grid2021/.
Global Humanitarian Forum (GHF). Human Impact Report - Climate change. Geneva: GHF, 2009. Accessed November 15, 2021. https://www.preventionweb.net/files/9668_humanimpactreport1.pdf.