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Rethinking climate refugees and climate conflict: Rhetoric, reality and the politics of policy discourse

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  • Betsy Hartmann

    (CLPP Hampshire College, Massachusetts, USA)

Abstract

This paper critically examines the perceived threat of 'climate refugees' and 'climate conflict'. It locates the ideological roots of these concepts in development theories and policy narratives about demographically induced migration, environmental refugees and environmental security. While alarmist rhetoric around climate refugees and conflict has been deployed by a variety of actors, including U.N. agencies, development NGOs, national governments, security pundits and popular media, the paper concentrates on its strategic use by U.S. defence interests. It raises the question of how the portrayal of climate change as a security threat could further militarise the provision of development assistance and distort climate policy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Betsy Hartmann, 2010. "Rethinking climate refugees and climate conflict: Rhetoric, reality and the politics of policy discourse," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(2), pages 233-246.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:22:y:2010:i:2:p:233-246
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1676
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roe, Emery M., 1995. "Except-Africa: Postscript to a special section on development narratives," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 23(6), pages 1065-1069, June.
    2. Jessica Mercer, 2010. "Disaster risk reduction or climate change adaptation: Are we reinventing the wheel?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 22(2), pages 247-264.
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