6. Climate Migration Is about People, Not Numbers

Open Book Publishers, pp. 63–82

Abstract

It has become increasingly common to argue that climate change will lead to mass migrations.In this chapter, we examine the large numbers often invoked to underline alarming climate migration narratives.We outline the methodological limitations to their production.We argue for a greater diversity of knowledges about climate migration, rooted in qualitative and mixed methods.We also question the usefulness of numbers to progressive agendas for climate action.Large numbers are used for rhetorical effect to create fear of climate migration, but this approach backfires when they are used to justify security-oriented, anti-migrant agendas.In addition, quantification helps present migration as a management problem with decisions based on meeting quantitative targets, instead of prioritising peoples' needs, rights, and freedoms.

Authors 14

1. David Durand-Delacre

   University of Cambridge

   Affiliation as printed

   Univ. of Cambridge

2. Giovanni Bettini

   Lancaster University

   Affiliation as printed

   LANCASTER UNIVERSITY,

3. Sarah Louise Nash

   BOKU University

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna Austria

4. Harald Sterly

   University of Vienna

   Affiliation as printed

   Univ of Vienna

5. Giovanna Gioli

   Bath Spa University

   Affiliation as printed

   Bath Spa University

6. Elodie Hut

   University of Liège

   Affiliation as printed

   Université de Liège - ULiege > Département de géographie > Service de géographie rurale (LAPLEC) >

7. Ingrid Boas

   Wageningen University & Research

   Affiliation as printed

   Wageningen University

8. Carol Farbotko

   University of the Sunshine Coast

   Affiliation as printed

   University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia#TAB#

9. Patrick Sakdapolrak

   University of Vienna

   Affiliation as printed

   Univ of Vienna

10. Mirjam de Bruijn Aachen

    Leiden University

    Affiliation as printed

    Universiteit Leiden#TAB#

11. Basundhara Tripathy Furlong

    Wageningen University & Research

    Affiliation as printed

    Wageningen University

12. Kees van der Geest

    United Nations University · Institute for Environment and Human Security

    Affiliation as printed

    United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, UNU-EHS

13. Samuel Lietaer

    Université Libre de Bruxelles

    Affiliation as printed

    Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB

14. Mike Hulme

    University of Cambridge

    Affiliation as printed

    Univ. of Cambridge