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Spatial and Temporal Dimensions of Weather Shocks and Migration in Nepal
Nathalie E Williams1, Clark Gray2
1Department of Sociology and Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington.
Population and Environment
|May 15, 2020
Summary
Environmental shocks, like weather events, alter migration patterns. This study in rural Nepal found that shocks shift migration types, favoring short-term over long-term movements, rather than simply increasing or decreasing overall migration numbers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Economics
Background:
- Environmental shocks are recognized as a driver of human migration.
- Existing research presents inconsistent findings regarding the type and impact of environmental shocks on migration.
- Theoretical frameworks offer conflicting predictions on the climate-migration relationship, highlighting a need for further development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nuanced relationship between various weather shocks and different types of migration in rural Nepal.
- To address the inconsistencies in the climate-migration literature by examining diverse shocks and migration patterns.
- To apply the Ready-Willing-and-Able perspective to interpret observed migration changes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of four distinct types of weather shocks over varied time frames.
- Examination of four categories of migration behavior.
- Utilizing the Ready-Willing-and-Able framework for analysis.
Main Results:
- Weather shocks do not significantly increase or decrease overall migration volume.
- A notable shift in migration type is observed: weather shocks correlate with a decrease in long-term migration.
- Conversely, weather shocks are associated with an increase in short-term migration patterns.
Conclusions:
- Environmental shocks primarily influence the *type* of migration undertaken, not necessarily the total volume.
- The findings suggest a move towards more temporary or short-term migration in response to weather-related disturbances.
- The Ready-Willing-and-Able perspective provides a useful lens for understanding these shifts in migration behavior due to environmental pressures.
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