Environmental refugees in developing nations: exploring the causes and impact

Abstract

The phenomenon of environmental refugees is a little recognised and largely undefined migration trend that is expected to show dramatic acceleration in the near future as environmental degradation renders large areas uninhabitable. This article explores the phenomenon, arguing that current conceptualisations concerning migration are too narrow to deal adequately with chis type of forced migration. A re-assessment of current categorisations and policy frameworks - concerning forced migration in general, and forced environmental migration in particular - is therefore ne~essary. Furthermore, the social factors fueling environmental degradacion, which in its turn leads to e:nvironmental refugee movements, are discussed. Attention is also paid co the impact chat these forced migrants may have on host countries.