Climate-induced migration surges in the Indian sub-continent

Extreme weather events induced by climate change can trigger displacements

The monsoon rains flooded the plots of land beside the Yamuna river in Delhi, displacing families from their vegetable patches. (Image: Michael Foley; CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Author:

Updated on:

15 Apr 2021, 8:41 am

1 min read

Dr Simi Mehta, CEO & Editorial Director, IMPRI, initiated the deliberation by underlining that climate change is real as glaciers are melting at a faster pace; the sea level is rising, and intense heat waves are common. Net damage costs of climate change are likely to increase.

The way forward

The climate change-migration nexus is real. It is necessary to focus on climatic drivers of migration. There is a need to analyse the social context of vulnerability as also the multiple interacting stressors, whose interlinkages need to be carefully analysed. Policies of exclusion should be negated and an appropriate institutional framework developed with a multi-layered approach to addressing inequalities. Universal social security can be a way forward. Resilient communities need to be built. Cities should come up with long term plans as the majority of the population will be inhabiting there by 2050.

SAARC countries need to work together in the spirit of mutual cooperation to boost regional-based solutions. Climate justice should be an integral part of the process and a solution-oriented approach can lead to a more sustainable and equitable future.