Reparative justice for migration caused by climate disruption
What is it about?
Changing climate patterns are a cause for global concern. They threaten both the environment and livelihood of many communities. Now, we have seen the initial effects of global warming for a while. But climate change is slowly also causing another phenomenon. This is the migration of people to safer places. And migration due to climate change is expected to further increase in the following decades. These migrants need legal protection. How can this be done? A 2022 paper attempts to present some answers. The authors believe developing laws that focus on repairing climate change is crucial. Three legal solutions are possible in this case. First, countries that have high greenhouse gas emissions should accept environmental migrants. Second, if migrants relocate, they should have a say in their new home location. Third, reparations should consider both, the needs of those harmed and the institution responsible for the harm. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change plays an important role here. It could collect and distribute funds. These funds will aid the affected communities in developing countries. They will help them adapt and build resilience to climate change. Legal solutions should center around the victims. Further, as per the Paris Agreement, effective financial aid should be provided. This should be done in a spirit of trust and unity.
Why is it important?
The Stockholm Conference was the United Nations' first major conference on global environmental issues. It affected environmental law around the world. But the Stockholm Conference was held in 1972, and a lot has changed since. We still need laws to protect people from climate change. This is especially true for people from poorer social and economic backgrounds, who have migrated. KEY TAKEAWAY: A legal regime that focuses on repairing the damage done by climate change is needed. It can help break the current cycle of harm and denial. In turn, this will help resolve global migration issues related to climate change.