Migration Theory in Climate Migration Research
Topics: Migration
, Environment
, Population Geography
Keywords: climate migration, climate mobility, migration theory
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 45
Authors:
Alex de Sherbinin, CIESIN, Columbia Climate School
Kathryn Grace, Department of Geography, Environment, and Society, University of Minnesota
Sonali McDermid, Department of Environmental Studies, New York University
Michael Puma, Center for Climate Systems Research, Columbia Climate School
Andrew Bell, Department of Earth & Environment, Boston University
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore how migration theory is invoked in empirical studies of climate-related migration. Theory is critical to the sciences, since it points to a specific locus of attention for research, shapes research questions, guides quantitative model development, influences what researchers find, and ultimately informs policies and programs. Research into climate mobility has grown out of early studies on environmental migration, and therefore has often developed in isolation from broader theoretical developments in the migration research community. As such, there is a risk that the work may be ill-informed by the rich corpus of theory that has contributed to our understanding of who migrates; why they migrate; the types of mobility they employ; what sustains migration streams; and why they choose certain destinations over others. On the other hand, there are ways in which climate and broader environment migration research is enriching the conceptual frameworks being employed to understand migration, particularly forced migration. This paper draws on a review of more than 80 empirical studies and modeling efforts conducted by researchers from a diversity of disciplines, focusing on a diversity of regions, and using a variety of data sources and methods to assess how they used theory in their research. The goal is to point the way forward for engagement with migration theory in this large and growing research domain.
Migration Theory in Climate Migration Research
Category
Virtual Paper Abstract
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