A new study from various institutions calls attention to the plight of vulnerable populations unable to migrate from high climate-risk zones. It highlights specific barriers they face, such as legal and economic constraints. Recommendations include identifying causes of immobility, engaging these populations in research processes, and developing global support mechanisms to assist them in adapting or relocating.
Certain groups such as residents of informal settlements, impoverished urban areas, refugee camps, prisons, and war zones face significant vulnerability to climate change. A recent study in Nature Communications emphasizes the necessity for policymakers to develop targeted approaches for these “trapped populations”. This includes helping them adapt where they are or facilitating their migration if they desire to leave.
Lead author Lisa Thalheimer, affiliated with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria, explains that cultural, legal, and economic barriers prevent these populations from fleeing climate threats. Factors like conflict and poverty exacerbate their risk, exposing them more acutely to disasters such as droughts and sea level rise.
The researchers provide insights drawn from various case studies on the migration challenges these communities face. A notable example features nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, who escaped violence in Myanmar. They now reside in densely populated camps that are highly exposed to landslide risks and flooding, further complicating their already dire circumstances.
The study critiques current climate mobility research, observing that it often neglects those who cannot or will not relocate. Coauthor Andrew Kruczkiewicz underlines the importance of understanding involuntary immobility within climate policies to bolster disaster risk reduction strategies.
To address these challenges, the researchers offer a set of actionable recommendations. These include recognizing the main factors behind involuntary immobility, ensuring vulnerable populations’ inclusion in data collection on their circumstances, and evaluating community capacities to manage climate impacts. They also call for a global support mechanism for those facing forced immobility.
The study underscores the urgent need for policymakers to focus on populations unable to migrate due to climate risks. By addressing legal and cultural barriers and emphasizing data collection, tailored strategies can be developed. The researchers advocate for a globally coordinated approach to support these vulnerable communities, ensuring they are included in the dialogue surrounding climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.
Original Source: news.climate.columbia.edu
