Author: Melinda Dodd
Dodd, Melinda, 2022 Toward the Global Goals: Examining the intersection of climate change, migration and the Sustainable Development Goals in the South Pacific, Flinders University, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
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A number of Pacific islands countries are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their populations due to the effects of climate change. At the same time, many of these same countries have an historical and social reliance on migration as an appropriate and effective way to manage both economic and population capacity issues. This research considers both of these factors to explore what effective, long-term climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies could look like in the Pacific region. The research further examines how the global visibility and national responsibilities of the Sustainable Development Goals and the broader international awareness of the intersection of climate change and migration can be incorporated into regional action and cooperation by focusing on South Pacific small island developing States.
The original contribution to knowledge provided by this research is offering a new analysis and reframing of the intersection of climate change, migration and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals within a Pacific regional context. It utilises a case study approach to detail findings from the Kingdom of Tonga and the Cook Islands by focusing on the issues of climate change and migration for each country and identifying specific challenges that occur when the two issues intersect in the local context. The role of remittances and associated migration activity is a factor for both countries, particularly when considered in light of their respective ability to fund and implement climate change adaptation initiatives. However, the implications of these practices in this context go beyond the economic. For Tonga, the challenges of rebuilding after extreme weather events are exacerbated when a large proportion of the workforce is engaged in labour overseas. For the Cook Islands, there is a lack of available workforce to support its primary economic sector of tourism; a sector that is in itself vulnerable to, and exacerbating of, the environmental impacts of climate change.
The research also broadens the understanding of the relationship between migration practice and policy in the Pacific region, the impacts of climate change on Pacific small island developing States and the influence of the Sustainable Development Goals on these intersecting issues. Distinct goals focused on Climate Change (Goal 13) and Partnerships (Goal 17) as well as a clear and stated priority for supporting small island developing States have enabled Tonga and the Cook Islands to actively engage with and benefit from new initiatives in these areas. These activities have highlighted the significant potential for reciprocal exchange of knowledge and practice between developed and developing countries and emphasised the unique contribution Pacific island countries could make to an integrated regional approach.
Within the nexus of climate change, migration and the Sustainable Development Goals there are new opportunities for regional climate change adaptation planning. This research offers suggestions for an approach that is sensitive to specific contexts and promotes a cooperative regional strategy flexible enough to address both current challenges and future contingencies. Existing partnerships should be leveraged and expanded to support adaptation plans focused on achieving social as well as economic, political and development outcomes. As climate change and migration continue to have significant impact in the Pacific region, the Sustainable Development Goals offer a focus and mechanism through which regional cooperation and mutual benefit can be realised.
Keywords: Pacific climate change, Pacific migration, SDGs, regional cooperation, climate change adaptation policy, Tonga, Cook Islands
Subject: Development Studies thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2022
School: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Supervisor: Udoy Saikia