Climate-induced migration and internal displacement : a case study of the coastal region of Bangladesh | |
| Author | Thapa, Anshu |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.CC-22-01 |
| Subject(s) | Climate change mitigation--Bangladesh--Case studies Climatic change--Bangladesh--Case studies |
| Note | A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Climate-induced disasters in Bangladesh create hundreds of thousands of climate migrants every year, the majority of them are triggered by sudden-onset events of climate change such as cyclones. About two third of people living in the coastal region of Bangladesh rely heavily on the local climate for their livelihood. Traditionally, seasonal migration has existed in Bangladesh for over decades now, rural laborer migrated to cities during dry seasons for 3-4 months looking for employment opportunities. The onset of rapid climate change is accelerating and intensifying this process now, to the point where urban areas are struggling to crop with the influx of climate-induced migrants and internally displaced persons. Dhaka being one of the fastest growing mega cities in the world, the population increases by 4.2 percent annually, is also contributing to rapid and unplanned urban growth putting increased pressure on infrastructure, basic services, and resources. Bangladesh is a low-lying coastal zone where internal migration is an adaptive measure, however, climate-induced migration and internal displacement as an adaptation is not often considered in development planning and policy. This research aims to examines the trend of the sudden-onset event impact on lives and livelihoods of coastal region of Bangladesh. It focuses on two divisions – Khulna and Barisal, that are in the forefront of the impacts of climate change. Upon identifying the trends, the research then reviews various institutional mechanisms relating to climate change and environment, cyclone preparedness and disaster management, and development and poverty reduction. Ten key informant interviews were conducted with academicians and development practitioners to understand the trends as well as to identify the gaps in formulation of policies, programs and plans. The data were analyzed using DPSIR framework, policy review and thematic analysis. This research shows that more frequent and intensifying impacts of cyclones and storm surges do not only have an immediate impact but also contribute to increase in saltwater intrusion in the coastal region affecting lives and livelihood of coastal communities forcing them to migrate to cities looking for better livelihood opportunities. Migration as an adaptation is seen higher among the lower income category followed by higher and middle income. Although, there are plenty of updated and new policies relating to climate change, poverty reduction, disaster risk management and preparedness, there seems to be a big gap in term of implementation and formulation. While international migration is being promoted as an adaptation and development strategy the policy focus on internal migration is generally pessimistic. The negative portray can lead to actions that restricts and controls internal migration rather than addressing the migrant’s needs |
| Year | 2022 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CC) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Rajendra Prasad;Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed (Co-Chairperson) |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen;Pal, Indrajit |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2022 |