Evaluating migration as successful adaptation to climate change: Trade-offs in well-being, equity, and sustainability

Szaboova, Lucy; Adger, W. Neil; Campos, Ricardo Safra de; Maharjan, Amina; Sakdapolrak, Patrick; Sterly, Harald; Conway, Declan; Codjoe, Samuel Nii Ardey; Abu, Mumuni

doi:10.1016/j.oneear.2023.05.009

Cited by 8 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 106 publications

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“…CC BY 4.0 License. and future migration triggered by environmental and climate change, coupled with societal factors (Sakdapolrak et al, 2023;Szaboova et al, 2023;McLeman et al, 2021;Hauer et al, 2020;Scott et al, 2020;McLeman, 2018;Adams, 2016;Black et al, 2011). One facet of such migration influenced by climate and environmental change is planned retreat, or resettling exposed 95 populations to safer areas.…”

Section: Retreat Resettlement In the Context Of Climate Change And Ha...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk reduction through managed retreat? Investigating enabling conditions and assessing resettlement effects on community resilience in Metro Manila

Lauer,

Chaves,

Lorenzo

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Abstract. Managed retreat, a key strategy in climate change adaptation for areas with high hazard exposure, raises concerns due to its disruptive nature, vulnerability issues and overall risk in the new location. On-site resettlement or near-site retreat are seen as more appropriate and effective compared to a relocation far from the former place of living, however, these conclusions often refer to only a very limited set of empirical case studies or do not sufficiently consider different context conditions and phases in relocation. Against this background, this paper examines the conditions and factors contributing to community resilience of different resettlement projects in Metro-Manila. In this urban agglomeration reside an estimated 500,000 informal households, with more than 100,000 occupying high-risk areas. In light of the already realized and anticipated climate change effects, this precarious living situation exposes families, already socio-economically vulnerable, to an increased risk of flooding. The response of the Philippine government to the vexing problem of informal dwellers has been large-scale relocation from coasts, rivers, and creeks to state-owned sites at urban fringes. Whereas only very few resettlement projects could be realized as In-City projects close to the original living space. The study employs a sequential mixed-method approach, integrating a large-scale quantitative household survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) for a robust comparison of resettlement types. Further, it reveals community-defined enabling conditions for managed retreat as climate change adaptation strategy. Results indicate minor variations of well-being conditions between In-City and Off-City resettlement, challenging the expected impact of a more urban setting on resilience. Instead, essential prerequisites for resettlement involve reduced hazard exposure, secure tenure and safety from crime. Beyond these essential conditions, social cohesion and institutional support systems emerge as significant influencers for the successful establishment of well-functioning new settlements. With this findings, the study contributes to the expanding body of literature on managed retreat, offering a comprehensive evaluation based on extensive datasets and providing entry points for the improvement of retreat as a climate change adaptation strategy.

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Section: Retreat Resettlement In the Context Of Climate Change And Ha...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk reduction through managed retreat? Investigating enabling conditions and assessing resettlement effects on community resilience in Metro Manila

Lauer,

Chaves,

Lorenzo

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Climate migration and well-being: a study on ex-pastoralists in northern Kenya

van Duijne,

Ogara,

Keeton

et al. 2024

Popul Environ

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As the impacts of climate change intensify globally, scholars and policymakers are increasingly interested in determining the factors that lead to the success or failure of climate adaptation strategies. This paper investigates the well-being outcomes of ex-pastoralists in northern Kenya who have migrated to towns in response to severe droughts. Focusing on Marsabit Town, the study employs a comparative design with primary survey data to analyze the well-being outcomes resulting from migration as an adaptation strategy. We contrast two heterogeneous groups of former pastoralists: a “settled group” that was already residing in Marsabit Town before ending their pastoral activities and a “migrant group” that relocated to Marsabit Town at the time of abandoning pastoralism. Our analysis reveals significant differences in well-being outcomes between these groups, with the migrant group often experiencing deterioration in their well-being levels. Key predictors of poorer well-being outcomes include the loss of all livestock, informal housing, and failure to transition into agricultural work, which often results in dependence on casual labor. Additionally, many migrants continue to experience poor subjective well-being—referring to their personal satisfaction with the quality of life—years after their livelihood transition. These insights offer a nuanced understanding of the well-being outcomes of migration-as-adaptation among heterogeneous groups of ex-pastoralists and underscore the need for customized livelihood support strategies for the most at-risk populations.

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