Formulate a predictive understanding of migration patterns and dynamics under climate change through the identification of social tipping points that lead to migration.
Climate tipping points are critical thresholds at which a tiny perturbation can alter the state of a system. Nonetheless, social tipping points can be triggered before (or well after) climate tipping points are reached, and small environmental disruptions can potentially trigger major social changes. The concept of social tipping points is better apt at anticipating social transformations and risks associated with climate change, including migration and displacement.
Propose adaptation options and strategies for populations affected by climate change based on an assessment of how migration redefines the limits to adaptation.
Adaptation measures in situ may reduce the migration pressures in the communities of origin. However, some forms of migration may, in fact, be an adaptation strategy for local populations by reducing pressure on local resources, inciting financial and social remittances from migrants to their households and communities of origin, enabling some to stay and avoiding tipping points in the system. Evaluating the place of migration amongst coping and adaptation strategies and measures, therefore, and understanding how migration redefines limits to adaptation is essential.
Identify, analyze and mainstream the gendered and social equity dimensions of the climate-migration nexus throughout the project
Neither climate change nor migration and displacement are gender-neutral. HABITABLE will thus take a gender and social equity approach to ensure that gender is considered in the conceptual framework, the collection and analysis of data, as well as in the dissemination of results and policy engagement activities. This approach takes two, mutually reinforcing forms: a project-wide gender and social equity consideration, and a specific research conducted from a gender vantage point (WP8).
Support the development of effective policy responses by co-producing migration scenarios and policy recommendations with key stakeholders.
HABITABLE shall develop guidelines and recommendations to allow policies to better address the migration patterns associated with climate change, with the goal to improve the management of migration movements induced by climate change and of reducing the risk of displacement. These migration scenarios and policy recommendations will be co-produced with key stakeholders to ensure they not only reflect scientific insights of the project, but also include the knowledge and ideas of external actors. This will ensure buy-in from affected communities, practitioners, and policy makers alike.
