The role of international governance to reduce maladaptive climate relocation

Abstract

Relocation in the face of climate change and extreme events can create silent genocides: The loss of language and culture. But the choice to remain can risk the loss of livelihood or life. In the few cases that can be examined, planned relocation is often promoted as the “safer” alternative. This chapter provides a broad overview of the concept of planned relocation that, depending on its specifications, can become maladaptation to climate change. By briefly examining small island developing states who have faced or are facing relocation due to climate change, the chapter explores the circumstances that can lead to maladaptive outcomes. The chapter also looks at the precarious ledge on which environmentally displaced persons are standing by examining the failure of international agreements on migration to provide them with safety and protection.