Migration as a Response to Climate Disasters in Coastal Areas: Insights from Kerala, India

Coastal areas suffer from a plethora of stressor events, especially with the onset of climate change. Coastal events that affect the local population include primarily storm surge and related flooding, coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. Coastal flooding due to higher sea levels, stronger waves and increased cyclones can endanger the most densely populated areas of the world as well as destroy property and infrastructure. Another social aspect of the climate change and natural disasters is the possible mass migration that it will cause. The research was conducted in the coastal areas of five districts in the southern state of Kerala in India-Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram to understand the climate or environmental linked population mobility. Households along the coastline were interviewed about their experience of adverse climate events, whether it has led to migration. Climate stress parameters for the region were derived from satellite altimetry and reanalysis datasets. The association between the rate of migration and environmental/ climate parameters were also examined. Majority of the migrant were from the regions which were facing more coastal stress. Many households try to adapt by making sea barriers on their own or with communities before considering migration. There were a small percentage of households amongst the migrants who had higher risk perceptions who didn't try to adapt using such protective measures and chose migration over adaptation. Amongst those who migrated, almost all did to nearby areas and mostly into housing provided by the government for resettlement. Some of the migrants returned back to the coast later, as they found it difficult to continue with their previous livelihood when they migrated far. Those who have experienced the impacts but are still staying back cited financial issues as the major factor trapping them in the climate distressed region. Other reasons for staying in the area included emotional attachment and a lack of skill/willingness to pursue other employment.