EXAMINING THE RELEVANCE OF “NARRATIVES” IN CLIMATE REFUGEE RESEARCH IN SOUTH ASIA: CASE STUDIES, DEBATES AND DISCUSSIONS.

Abstract

“Climate change ” is a global environmental problem that continues to impact the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities at an unprecedented rate, all across the world. In India, coastal communities experience the wrath of climate-induced displacement, which impacts their settlement and rehabilitation. The present article attempts to explore intersecting horizons of climate refugee laws, global and local discourses of climate crisis/climate-induced displacement, and existing policy frameworks that work in an intertwined manner to impact the mitigation strategies for a vulnerable set of climate refugees in a small coastal village of West Bengal. The article takes on to account case studies, narratives, and participatory methods to reflect upon three significant questions: Who are 'Climate refugees'? What is the scope of “climate refugee” laws in India? How do local climate refugees negotiate the politics of 'displacement' in their everyday lives? Why is it necessary for policy-making bodies to upgrade their humanistic stance while framing policies for climate refugees? Findings reveal Firstly, the term “Climate refugees” is a controversial term. Secondly, ‘climate refugee' laws are a dire necessity to give a safer and more secure place to millions of migrating people who seek shelter and support during times of environmental crisis and want their local rights to be protected. Thirdly, climate refugees, as social actors, somewhere fail to exercise their agency in the politics of displacement in their everyday lives, and lastly, policy-making bodies somewhere need to gear up their humanistic stance to offer sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.