A Critique of the Definitions of Climate and Environmental Migration: Toward a Political Ecology of Migration

Abstract

Abstract This article analyses the concept of environmental and climate migrations, uncovering inherent complexities and contradictions within their official definitions. The analysis traces the historical roots of environmental migration discussions, beginning in the 1980s. Methodologically, the study scrutinizes the definitions provided by international organizations and advocates for a political ecology framework inspired by Sayad's sociology of migrations. It challenges prevailing concepts such as "environmental refugees" and "climate refugees," highlighting the contentious nature of these terms. The article emphasizes the need to move away from an emergency-oriented approach and instead adopt a political ecology perspective that explores human mobility within socio-ecological contexts. It critiques the predominant focus on climate-induced displacement, arguing for a more comprehensive understanding grounded in political and historical dimensions. By transcending epistemological reductions, the study contributes to ongoing debates on current migration issues, urging a more nuanced and inclusive approach to addressing the intricate challenges posed by environmental changes and human mobility.

Keywords

• socioecological transformation
• primitive accumulation
• world-ecology
• epistemological critique
• Abdelmalek Sayad