When is migration successful adaptation to climate change?

Newswise — An international team consisting of researchers from Africa, Asia, and Europe has recently proposed three essential criteria to assess the effectiveness of migration as an adaptation strategy in response to climate change. These criteria include well-being, equity, and sustainability.

According to the study findings, migration is gaining recognition as a viable approach to address climate-related risks and as a means of adaptation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that migration is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should not be viewed as a definitive answer to the challenges posed by climate change.

One notable aspect of migration, for instance, is the role of remittances, which encompass the transfer of funds, knowledge, expertise, and goods between migrants and their places of origin. Remittances are considered crucial in facilitating adaptation to climate change.

However, based on extensive evidence spanning various continents over the past few decades, this research demonstrates that although remittances contribute to enhancing the material well-being of families and households in the migrants' places of origin, it frequently comes at the expense of the well-being of the migrants themselves.

For example, migrants in Bangladesh are not sufficiently considered in planning and policy and remain excluded from urban structures and services.

Consequently, these repercussions extend to all facets of migrants' daily lives in urban destinations, encompassing living conditions, income stability, and eventually their capacity to continue providing support to their families in their countries of origin.

Dr. Lucy Szaboova, the lead author of the study from the University of Exeter, expressed her perspective by stating, "The concept of migration as adaptation places the burden of forecasting and addressing future risks on individuals, which could potentially justify a lack of policy action."

Dr. Szaboova further emphasized the issue by noting, "This situation is concerning because when migration lacks adequate policy support, it can reinforce vulnerability and marginalization, ultimately jeopardizing the effectiveness of adaptation efforts."

Tensions in well-being, equity and sustainability

The study's findings reveal that migration frequently gives rise to tensions among the principles of well-being, equity, and sustainability. These tensions can result in the emergence of winners and losers within and between different groups affected by migration.

Experiences of migration as adaptation are not equal for everyone involved.

Indeed, the outcomes of migration can vary for individuals based on various contextual factors and social characteristics, such as age, gender, and ethnicity. These factors play a significant role in determining how migration impacts different people, leading to diverse outcomes and experiences.

Some might benefit while others lose out.

As an example, while the migrant's remittances may contribute to the overall financial improvement of the household, female members of the household may experience increased work burdens due to the absence of male family members who have migrated. These additional responsibilities can make it challenging for them to maintain the farm or make difficult choices that may ultimately undermine the effectiveness of migration as an adaptive strategy.

Dr. Mumuni Abu, affiliated with the Regional Institute for Population Studies at the University of Ghana, highlighted, "Without ensuring equity, migration has the potential to worsen vulnerability to climate change instead of mitigating it." This statement emphasizes the importance of considering equity as a fundamental aspect when evaluating the role of migration in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Dr. Abu further elaborated on the issue by stating, "For instance, in rural areas of origin, gender inequities within households and communities can lead to the unsustainable utilization and management of natural resources." This highlights how unequal power dynamics and constraints on gender equity can contribute to detrimental practices regarding the utilization of natural resources in rural areas.

Dr. Amina Maharjan from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) emphasized the importance of considering the long-term implications of remittances. While remittances are often celebrated for their potential in supporting development and adaptation, Dr. Maharjan highlights the necessity of examining their role over extended timeframes. This indicates the significance of understanding the sustained impacts and consequences of remittances beyond immediate benefits.

Indeed, the implications of migration for the success of adaptation often unfold over extended timescales, including across different generations.

Creating an enabling policy environment

The authors propose that when assessing the effectiveness of migration as a form of adaptation, it is important to consider the overall impact on migrants, their households, and family members in their places of origin, as well as on the host society.

They should also recognise that some implications might not be immediately obvious but might unfold over longer timeframes.

In order to mitigate potential conflicts and obstacles to success, it is crucial to incorporate migration as a viable adaptation option into policy-making and planning processes.

Professor Neil Adger from the University of Exeter, based on extensive research involving migrants and stakeholders in urban migration destinations, identified potential solutions for establishing a policy framework that facilitates positive outcomes.

According to Professor Neil Adger from the University of Exeter, migrants residing in urban areas face a disproportionate level of exposure to social and environmental risks that can have detrimental effects on their health and overall well-being.

“Despite this, they remain largely invisible and voiceless in policy circles.

Professor Neil Adger suggests that the inclusion of diverse perspectives through participatory urban planning and deliberative approaches can play a crucial role in creating safe, sustainable, and resilient cities. Such inclusive processes can also facilitate the successful adaptation of migration within urban contexts.

The paper, titled "Evaluating migration as successful adaptation to climate change: trade-offs in well-being, equity, and sustainability," has been published in the journal One Earth.

The paper is the result of a collaborative effort between researchers from various institutions, including the University of Exeter, University of Vienna, University of Ghana, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

This research was funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).