12 - ‘Climate-Displaced People’: A Small Island Developing States Perspective

Summary

With sea levels rising and small island developing states feeling the impacts of climate change, migration due to inhospitable conditions or the submergence of island nations is becoming more of a pressing issue. There is a clear gap in the legal protection, or lack thereof, that will be afforded to climate-displaced persons. This chapter delves into the third of a triple injustice against island nations and their people by focusing on an expected third wave of forced migration caused by climate change. The chapter (1) explores the issues that island nations will face because of either becoming uninhabitable or submerged, with a particular focus on matters arising under the Law of the Sea Convention; (2) examines the current efforts and missed opportunities within the UNFCCC process and outside, including both national and international efforts; and (3) finally, makes recommendations on how this gap for legal protection can be addressed. Throughout this chapter, it reveals the unfairness of some burdens placed on SIDS to addressed climate-induced displacement and the fact that the lethargy in addressing the protection gaps presents a frightening uncertain future for island nations and its people.