Global warming may result in detrimental effects on food supply and security, especially in developing countries. Even if developing countries adapt to climate change, they cannot avoid its associated problems. Furthermore, these harmful outcomes of climate change in developing countries and potentially positive outcomes in developed countries will probably increase the gap in wealth, access to food, and health between rich and poor countries (Sacks & Rosenzweig, 2007: 1).
Refugee populations represent one of the most intricate categories of migrants, often linked with dire circumstances such as war, civil conflict, persecution, and the quest for safety (Toole & Waldman, 1997). However, for low-lying coral atoll populations, a different kind of struggle has emerged – a 'war against the ocean.' These communities are grappling with the urgent need for physical and mental security as they confront the tangible impacts of climate change on their homelands.
Over a decade ago, these communities began their national adaptation efforts in response to the evolving environmental conditions, signaling a proactive approach to addressing the threats posed by the changing climate. This ongoing battle underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable populations facing existential challenges from the encroaching seas.
A 1995 article on climate change and migration from Oceania highlights the potential for significant environmental shifts to trigger population displacement, potentially leading to profound health and psychological impacts for those affected (Moore & Smith). In Kiribati, the effects of climate change have accelerated the rise of poverty due to increased population displacement and depletion of natural resources. These challenges underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the complex interplay between environmental changes, migration, and socioeconomic well-being in vulnerable island nations like Kiribati.
I-Kiribati have grappled with the harsh realities of climate change while global debates about its existence have persisted for decades. For many, they are the frontline victims of an impending global catastrophe, acutely aware that their survival hinges on the perceptions and actions of the global community, which often overlooks or dismisses the challenges faced by these small and marginalized populations. Faced with this stark reality, I-Kiribati are compelled to adapt to their changing environment or seek opportunities to forge new lives elsewhere. Despite the absence of official relocation programs for environmentally displaced individuals, some limited opportunities for temporary work or permanent residency have emerged for those seeking to establish themselves in new surroundings.
As time unfolds and the ecological stability of Kiribati continues to erode, a growing number of I-Kiribati will inevitably seek refuge elsewhere. This raises critical questions about the role of larger nations in providing assistance. Will immigration emerge as the primary enduring strategy for climate change adaptation? How will individual human rights violations resulting from displacement be addressed, and who will bear the responsibility for addressing them? Moreover, how will the broader global community respond as more nations grapple with the devastating impacts of climate change? These questions underscore the urgent need for comprehensive international cooperation and action to address the profound humanitarian and environmental challenges posed by climate-induced displacement.