The article discusses the vulnerability of “trapped populations”—those who cannot flee high climate-risk zones. A new study emphasizes the need for tailored policies to assist these groups, highlighting factors such as cultural barriers and impoverished living conditions. It presents various recommendations aimed at supporting their adaptation or migration needs, calling for comprehensive data collection and global support mechanisms.
Individuals residing in informal settlements, impoverished urban areas, refugee camps, prisons, and war zones face heightened vulnerability to climate threats and natural disasters. A recent study published in Nature Communications underscores the necessity for policymakers to implement strategies aimed at supporting these populations, who are classified as “trapped populations.” These strategies should enhance their ability to adapt to the climate risks they face or facilitate their migration if they so desire.
According to Lisa Thalheimer, the lead author of the study from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria, the vulnerable conditions of these populations stem from various barriers, including cultural and legal constraints, limited access to humanitarian assistance, conflict, and poverty. These factors significantly exacerbate their exposure to climate-induced threats such as droughts, heat waves, and sea-level rise.
The study presents case studies that illustrate the political and legal obstacles faced by vulnerable groups. One prominent example is the nearly one million Rohingya refugees in densely populated camps in southeastern Bangladesh, who fled ethnic violence in Myanmar. Currently stateless, they reside in areas prone to landslides, flooding, and other climate-related risks.
The researchers emphasize that existing climate mobility research primarily focuses on populations capable of migration, leaving a gap in understanding the needs of those who cannot or choose not to move. Coauthor Andrew Kruczkiewicz from the Columbia Climate School’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness asserts the importance of integrating involuntary immobility into risk policies, to enhance insights into the challenges faced by these populations during climate crises.
To address these issues, the researchers propose a series of comprehensive recommendations, including: identifying the primary factors contributing to involuntary immobility among marginalized communities and ensuring their representation in data collection; conducting systematic reviews of affected populations’ capacities to adapt, relocate, and mitigate climate impacts; and establishing a global support mechanism for involuntary immobility. This study involved collaboration among scientists from Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United States, and was initiated during discussions at the 2023 Managed Retreat Conference organized by the Columbia Climate School.
The study highlights the pressing need for targeted policies to assist trapped populations vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards. By focusing on those unable or unwilling to migrate, policymakers can develop informed strategies that promote resilience and mitigate risks for these groups. A comprehensive approach, including data integration and support mechanisms, is essential to address the unique challenges faced by populations vulnerable to climate-induced threats.
Original Source: news.climate.columbia.edu
