Climate-Induced Migration: A Growing Crisis in South Asia

People have been migrating over the years for various reasons.

- Dr Vibha Dhawan

Background

An essential aspect of human history, there have been several factors responsible for migration that concern socioeconomic, political and environmental aspects. Migration has been influenced by trade, conquests, and resource shortages since the dawn of civilization in places like Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Nile Basin. As individuals relocated to urban areas in search of work and stability during the industrial era, economic and political migration took centre stage as the phenomena developed over time. The world’s cultural and demographic landscapes have been significantly shaped by the great migrations of the past, such as the Silk Road trades and the Indo-Aryan movements.

Migration can be divided into voluntary and forced movements, with the latter often driven by factors such as conflict or environmental degradation. Environmental migration occurs when individuals are forced to leave due to natural disasters or long-term climate change impacts. This issue is particularly pressing in South Asia, hometo 25% of the world’s population. Both sudden onset events and slow-onset changes are altering South Asia’s socio-economic landscape. As Bhatta and Aggarwal (2015) and Bhattacharyya and Werz (2012) highlight, environmental stressors are key determinants of migration patterns, compelling people to relocate in search of stability and security. While some displaced individuals eventually return to their homes, many face long-term resettlement challenges, often categorized as ‘distress migrations.’ In South Asia, climate change has caused significant internal displacement, with over 40 million people migrating to their countries due to climate-related factors. This represents about 1.8% of the population. Projections indicate that by 2050, more than 62 million people could be displaced if current trends persist.

Consequences of Climate-Induced Migration