The Politics of Climate Migration: National Security and Humanitarian Dilemmas

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly impacting human mobility by way of drought, flooding, sea level rise, extreme heat, food insecurity and lost livelihoods. In the process of population movements, humanitarian issues are now mixed in with national security issues, making for a complex political problem. This is a research paper that focuses on the politics of climate migration as told in the opposing narratives of climate displacement, border management, resource scarcity and state security. It looks at the polarizing climate related mobility ideas of territorial stability, social cohesion, economic resources and political order and humanitarian ideas of protection, human rights, dignity, and international responsibility. The paper also addresses the challenges faced by governments in identifying climate-induced migration within other climate-related migration and displacement where environmental drivers interact with various drivers of conflict, poverty, political instability and socio-economic inequality. It claims that, if the climate migration is seen mainly as a security issue, border control measures might be implemented that conflict with migrants' protection needs, particularly of vulnerable groups. Similarly, ignoring valid issues regarding infrastructure, resources, social stability and social governance can diminish a nation's readiness. Overall, a holistic policy approach is required, which is security and humanitarian protection-focused, prioritizing climate adaptation, planned migration, regional cooperation, resilient livelihoods and inclusive migration governance practices. The paper highlights policies that reflect on climate affected populations as people and communities deserving of protection, participation and sustainable futures, rather than as a threat to security; and it identifies and explores the intersection of environmental change with issues of justice, sovereignty and human security.