Climate-induced migration: The need to address human rights to water and sanitation for a growing displaced population

• Published in: Environmental science & policy Vol. 158; p. 103799
• Main Authors: Guedes, Walef Pena, Branchi, Bruna Angela, Bicudo da Silva, Ramon Felipe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Climate change; Climate migration; Forced displacement; Human Rights; Social vulnerabilities; Climate change; Forced displacement; Social vulnerabilities; Climate migration; Human Rights
• ISSN: 1462-9011; 1873-6416
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103799

This perspective article examines the complex issues surrounding water and sanitation for climate migrants during the current climate crisis. To deepen the understanding of climate-induced migration, the study seeks to identify and analyze a critical knowledge gap related to climate migrants. This involves defining who climate migrants are, understanding their migration patterns, and identifying the specific challenges they face, particularly concerning their fundamental human rights to water and sanitation. Environmental and anthropogenic disasters, expropriation, and gradual environmental deterioration all contribute to the intricate interplay that leads to such a state of affairs. It highlights the critical importance of a precise definition of climate migrants and calls for robust theoretical and epistemological contributions to deepen our understanding of this issue. Furthermore, extreme weather events can cause frequent and permanent displacement, which increases pressure on water and sanitation systems. Encouraging reflection, the article discusses how knowledge gained can guide government and civil society actions to mitigate adversities climate migrants face and ensure human dignity through universal access to water and sanitation. These challenges are set to intensify in the coming decades, making this a pressing matter for all. •The international recognition of climate migrants is crucial in time of climate changes.•Climate changes exacerbate existing inequalities, both within and between countries.•Global access to WASH is imperative to protect migrants in times of climate emergency.•Disasters, expropriation, and environmental degradation shape population movements.