Embargo Period
12-16-2022
Degree Name
MA in Diplomacy and International Relations
First Advisor
Nicolas Stahelin
Abstract
This exploratory study is centered on the increasing harmful impacts of climate change and its connection to human life. The effects are exacerbating the current drivers of migration like livelihoods, security, and politics. People are losing their homes and livelihoods because of drought, rising seas, or increasing natural disasters. Millions of people are. Displaced by climate events every year, the number is expected to increase. Due to this, there is value in studying climate change and migration. Amongst the most vulnerable are those living in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This exploratory study examined the Maldives to understand their adaptive capacity to ensure safe and dignified migration as sea levels threaten the country’s existence. I used a qualitative methodology with a document analysis method and applied the adaptation policy framework (APF) to understand and measure if the government of the Maldives has the adaptive capacity to implement to proactive migration policy. The results suggest that the government has the adaptive capacity to do so. However, I argue that there is a shortage of discourse and proactive planning for safe and dignified migration due to climate change and natural disasters. The paper concludes by amplifying the need for advocacy for migration as a long-term strategy to address the impacts of climate change. The advocacy is necessary to activate international, regional, and bilateral agreements and funding with other SIDS.
Disciplines
Environmental Studies | International Relations | Political Science | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Garrett, Kelsey, "The Adaptive Capacity to implement Climate Migration Policy in response to Sea-Level Rise in the Maldives" (2023). Capstone Collection. 3275.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/3275