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Climate Change as a Determinant of Migration
Teena Mary Joy1, K Sreelakshmi Mohandas1
1Department of Community Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, AIMS, Kochi, Kerala, India.
Summary
Climate change and extreme weather events are driving human migration, creating climate migrants. Factors like capacity to move and political instability influence decisions, with significant health impacts on displaced populations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Extreme weather events and climate change are significant drivers of human displacement globally.
- Between 2008 and 2013, 93 million people were displaced by floods, highlighting the scale of climate-induced migration.
- The phenomenon of climate migrants or refugees has historical precedents dating back 45,000 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the multifaceted factors influencing climate-driven human migration.
- To examine the health consequences associated with displacement due to climatic events.
- To understand the specific context of climate migration in Kerala, India, given its vulnerability to changing weather patterns.
Main Methods:
- Review of global data on disaster displacement.
- Analysis of factors influencing migration decisions (e.g., capacity to move, political instability, access to services).
- Examination of health impacts, including immediate effects and long-term health disorders.
Main Results:
- Climate change and extreme weather events are major contributors to human migration.
- Migration decisions are complex, influenced by socioeconomic and political factors.
- Displacement leads to severe health impacts, from injuries and infectious diseases to mental health issues.
- India experienced significant disaster displacements in 2018, with Kerala accounting for over half.
Conclusions:
- Climate migration is a growing global challenge with profound health implications.
- Understanding the determinants of migration is crucial for effective policy-making.
- Regions like Kerala face critical decisions regarding adaptation and potential migration due to climate change.
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