- Brief created: 2025
- For policymakers
Life Adrift
Based on:
Journal Article (2018) ↗
Investigates the intersection of climate change and migration, critiquing the concept of ”climate refugees” and exploring the broader implications of migration as a historical and ongoing human condition.
Brief by:
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Climate change has intensified environmental challenges, leading to increased displacement of populations. Notably, 30,000 Marshall Islanders have relocated to the United States due to rising sea levels, facilitated by a unique visa arrangement linked to historical nuclear testing. This visa is set to expire in 2020, leaving future prospects uncertain. In contrast, Fijians facing similar threats lack such arrangements, highlighting disparities in international support. The United Nations has seen calls for assistance, yet global responses remain inconsistent. The term ”climate refugees” is emerging, yet it risks oversimplifying the complex motivations behind migration, which include seeking better living conditions, escaping conflict, or environmental degradation. The editors of ”Life Adrift” argue against ”climate reductionism,” emphasizing that migration is an intrinsic part of human history, not solely a response to climate change.
The book ”Life Adrift” aims to broaden the understanding of migration by situating climate-induced displacement within the larger context of human mobility. It challenges the simplistic labeling of migrants as ”climate refugees,” arguing that this ignores the multifaceted reasons for migration. The book critiques the racial and political dimensions of migration discourse, highlighting how climate change discussions often overlook underlying issues of social and racial justice. Contributors argue for a reevaluation of societal structures to address climate change’s root causes, advocating for significant social and economic reforms. The book calls for a shift from viewing migration as a problem to recognizing it as an opportunity for social justice and innovation.
Key findings
The concept of ''climate refugees'' oversimplifies the complex motivations behind migration.
Evidence
The editors argue that migration has been a constant in human history, not solely driven by climate change. They emphasize that labeling migrants as ''climate refugees'' can obscure the broader socio-political and economic factors at play.
What it means
This perspective challenges policymakers to consider the multifaceted nature of migration and to address the root causes of displacement beyond environmental factors.
Climate change discussions often neglect the racial and social justice dimensions of migration.
Evidence
The book highlights how climate change discourse can render racial and social justice issues secondary. For instance, Baldwin and Bettini note that extreme weather events are often discussed without acknowledging the racial politics involved.
What it means
This oversight calls for a more inclusive approach to climate policy that addresses the intersection of race, migration, and environmental justice.
Migration should be viewed as an opportunity for social justice and innovation.
Evidence
Contributors argue that migration, driven by climate change or other factors, presents a chance to rethink societal structures and promote social justice. Bettini emphasizes the need for a political struggle to address climate, mobility, and economic issues.
What it means
This perspective encourages a shift from viewing migration as a threat to recognizing its potential for positive societal transformation.
The current geopolitical framework may be inadequate to address climate-induced migration.
Evidence
Dalby questions the viability of fixed state boundaries in the face of global climate change, suggesting that the nation-state model may need reevaluation.
What it means
This raises important questions about the future of international governance and the need for more flexible and interconnected political systems.
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Life Adrift
Cite this brief: McGowan, Alan. 'Life Adrift'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/life-adrift/
Brief created by: Professor Alan McGowan | Year brief made: 2025
Original research:
- McGowan, A., ‘Life Adrift’ 60(4), pp. 30–36 https://doi.org/10.1080/00139157.2018.1472512. – https://doi.org/10.1080/00139157.2018.1472512
Research brief:
Investigates the intersection of climate change and migration, critiquing the concept of ”climate refugees” and exploring the broader implications of migration as a historical and ongoing human condition.
Climate change has intensified environmental challenges, leading to increased displacement of populations. Notably, 30,000 Marshall Islanders have relocated to the United States due to rising sea levels, facilitated by a unique visa arrangement linked to historical nuclear testing. This visa is set to expire in 2020, leaving future prospects uncertain. In contrast, Fijians facing similar threats lack such arrangements, highlighting disparities in international support. The United Nations has seen calls for assistance, yet global responses remain inconsistent. The term ”climate refugees” is emerging, yet it risks oversimplifying the complex motivations behind migration, which include seeking better living conditions, escaping conflict, or environmental degradation. The editors of ”Life Adrift” argue against ”climate reductionism,” emphasizing that migration is an intrinsic part of human history, not solely a response to climate change.
The book ”Life Adrift” aims to broaden the understanding of migration by situating climate-induced displacement within the larger context of human mobility. It challenges the simplistic labeling of migrants as ”climate refugees,” arguing that this ignores the multifaceted reasons for migration. The book critiques the racial and political dimensions of migration discourse, highlighting how climate change discussions often overlook underlying issues of social and racial justice. Contributors argue for a reevaluation of societal structures to address climate change’s root causes, advocating for significant social and economic reforms. The book calls for a shift from viewing migration as a problem to recognizing it as an opportunity for social justice and innovation.
Findings:
The concept of ”climate refugees” oversimplifies the complex motivations behind migration.
The editors argue that migration has been a constant in human history, not solely driven by climate change. They emphasize that labeling migrants as ”climate refugees” can obscure the broader socio-political and economic factors at play.
This perspective challenges policymakers to consider the multifaceted nature of migration and to address the root causes of displacement beyond environmental factors.
Climate change discussions often neglect the racial and social justice dimensions of migration.
The book highlights how climate change discourse can render racial and social justice issues secondary. For instance, Baldwin and Bettini note that extreme weather events are often discussed without acknowledging the racial politics involved.
This oversight calls for a more inclusive approach to climate policy that addresses the intersection of race, migration, and environmental justice.
Migration should be viewed as an opportunity for social justice and innovation.
Contributors argue that migration, driven by climate change or other factors, presents a chance to rethink societal structures and promote social justice. Bettini emphasizes the need for a political struggle to address climate, mobility, and economic issues.
This perspective encourages a shift from viewing migration as a threat to recognizing its potential for positive societal transformation.
The current geopolitical framework may be inadequate to address climate-induced migration.
Dalby questions the viability of fixed state boundaries in the face of global climate change, suggesting that the nation-state model may need reevaluation.
This raises important questions about the future of international governance and the need for more flexible and interconnected political systems.