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.
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Negotiating Climate Change in Crisis |
| Editors | Steffen Böhm, Sian Sullivan |
| Place of Publication | Cambridge |
| Publisher | Open Book Publishers |
| Pages | 63-81 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781800642621 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781800642607 |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Sep 2021 |
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 504021 Migration research
- 105205 Climate change
- 506016 Migration policy
