The limits of migration as adaptation. A conceptual approach towards the role of immobility, disconnectedness and simultaneous exposure in translocal livelihoods systems

Abstract

Migration can strengthen adaptation to climate change. The potential of migration-as-adaptation builds on a world of intensifying global mobility and global connectedness and the increasing possibility of geographically spreading risks. But what if mobility is impeded and connectivity disrupted? And what happens if geographically distant places face risks simultaneously due to the global and systemic character or multiplicity of crises? This paper points to fundamental gaps in research on migration-as-adaptation, which largely neglects the questions of adaptation limits. It argues that an understanding of the limits of migration-as-adaptation needs to address (1) migration as an inherent feature of social systems under stress, (2) the unequal and contested nature of adaptation goals, and (3) immobility, disconnectedness and simultaneous exposure as the core mechanisms that limit the adaptive potential of migration. The paper proposes a novel translocal-mobilities perspective to address the multi-scalar, multi-local, relational and intersectional dynamics of the limits of migration-as-adaptation. It formulates core questions for research on the limits of migration as adaptation. A comprehensive understanding will help the scientific community to build more realistic scenarios on climate change and migration and provide entry points for policies to avoid reaching adaptation limits and to mitigate negative consequences.