Past studies have shown that migration is an effective way to handle climate change, adapting to the ever changing environment. But, this specific study conducted by an international team from Asia, Africa, and Europe has extended this search concluding that migration is not a full proof solution. This current study has collected data over the past couple of decades, across multiple continents, drawing various conclusions. Remittances, or sums of money, skill access, or goods sent to groups in migrated areas, have been seen as a solid adaptation option to climate change. A good portion of the research displays that remittances improve material well-being for the families and groups that have migrated to non-native regions, but decreases the well-being of the migrants themselves.
Tensions between migration well-being, and equity and sustainability are very high. The team goes on to conclude that viewing the concept of migration as a solution to adaptation can be problematic due to putting the prediction of future risks and endeavors in the hands of the individuals. This can halt or discourage policy change and government support, reinforcing vulnerability to external issues. Depending on the individual's age, health, gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics can determine different outcomes of success. For instance, a family who may be benefiting financially from the migrant remittances, may have gender equity constraints on the household or community level, resulting in displaced managements and sustainability of natural resources. It may also increase traditional work burdens on women due to men migration, resulting in struggling maintenance of farmland.
"Participatory urban planning and deliberative approaches can support the inclusion of diverse perspectives on building safe, sustainable and resilient cities and can support migration as successful adaptation," stated study author and Professor Neil Adger from University of Exeter.
The authors suggest that weighing out all outcomes for migrants, households, and family members in places of origin and for the hosting region will be the best option to properly evaluate the success of migration. Also, addressing planning and policy tensions will increase that success. For instance, many migrants moving into larger cities are exposed to environmental, social, and urban hazards, resulting in health conditions and other issues. But, unfortunately many groups stay widely under represented and silenced in policy plannings and enactments.
Extended timescales are necessary for the most accurate evaluations. Experiences of adaptation from migration are also not equal among all individuals traveling together. As previously stated, many different factors go into an individual’s and their families success, separately and collectively.
