Introduction: 

As India faces rising sea levels in the Sundarbans, desertification in Rajasthan, floods in Assam, and cyclones along the eastern coast, a silent migration is underway. This is climate-induced migration—a phenomenon where ecological disturbances push communities to relocate, often without legal recognition or state support. For UPSC aspirants, this intersection of environment, displacement, and social structures offers a fertile ground for applying theoretical perspectives and engaging with current affairs. This blog decodes the sociological dimensions of climate migration using relevant frameworks and real-life examples.

Understanding Climate Migration: 

Climate migration refers to the forced displacement of people due to sudden or gradual environmental changes—like floods, droughts, sea-level rise, and soil erosion. These movements are largely internal and unregulated, often involving the rural poor, tribal populations, and marginalized communities.

Why it matters for Sociology?

This is not merely an environmental issue—it’s a social phenomenon, embedded in patterns of inequality, development, marginalization, and resource distribution. It touches on themes like:

• Social disorganization

• Migration patterns

• Inequality and stratification

• State policy and social justice

• Environmental sociology

Sociologists on Migration and Displacement

1. Everett Lee’s Theory of Migration identified Push and Pull factors influencing migration. In climate migration:

• Push: Loss of livelihoods, rising temperatures, salinization, water scarcity.

• Pull: Hope of survival, jobs in urban slums, better infrastructure.

2. Ulrich Beck’s idea of a “risk society” applies here—modernization has led to manufactured risks like climate change. Vulnerable populations are unequally exposed to ecological hazards. For example, slum dwellers in Mumbai face both climate threats and poor state protection.

3. Immanuel Wallenstein’s World Systems Theory helps us understand how global capitalism and industrialization in the global North contribute disproportionately to climate change, while the periphery (like South Asia) bears the burden.

Indian Context: 

• Sundarbans, West Bengal: Rising sea levels and embankment breaches have displaced thousands. “Climate refugees” here often migrate to Kolkata’s urban slums, facing poverty, health issues, and social exclusion.

• Chilika Lake, Odisha: Fisherfolk from the Chilika region are forced to migrate due to shrinking fish catch caused by saline water intrusion and climate variability.

• Assam Floods (2023-24): Frequent flooding has led to permanent internal displacement, particularly affecting tribal and Scheduled Caste communities. Relief camps become semi-permanent homes, disrupting education and social structures.

Intersectionality: Climate, Caste, Class, and Gender

Climate migration in India is not homogenous:

• Women: Face heightened vulnerabilities, from increased care work to sexual exploitation in migration corridors.
• Dalits and Adivasis: Least land ownership, most ecological dependence, minimal political voice.
• Children: Suffer from educational discontinuity and malnutrition post-migration.

State Response and Legal Void

Unlike refugees of war, climate migrants are not recognized under international or Indian law. There’s no formal rehabilitation policy specifically for environmentally displaced persons.

• MNREGA and social security schemes remain limited in reach and inadequate in disaster zones.
• Absence of a climate migration framework reflects a policy gap that aggravates social exclusion.

Conclusion: 

Climate migration is no longer a future threat—it’s a present reality. The challenge for India is to sociologically frame this phenomenon not as an environmental issue alone, but as a multi-dimensional crisis of justice, policy, and social integration. Behind every climate migrant is a story of loss and resilience. As environmental shocks intensify, migration will no longer be a choice but a necessity for millions. It is imperative for policy frameworks to move beyond compensation and provide long-term rehabilitation, social integration, and livelihood restoration. Sociological insights can guide inclusive development—ensuring that the vulnerable are not just relocated, but restored with dignity and opportunity.

PYQs

Paper I –

• Discuss the relevance of environmental sociology in the context of climate change and sustainable development. (2023)

• How does Ulrich Beck’s concept of ‘risk society’ help us in understanding global environmental crises? (2020)

• Explain the concept of ‘social disorganization’ and its applicability in contemporary environmental displacement. (2018)

• What are the limitations of structural-functionalism in explaining the displacement caused by environmental changes? (2017)

• Examine the impact of ecological degradation on the patterns of social inequality. (2015)

Paper II –

• Discuss the impact of climate change on the livelihood patterns of rural and tribal communities in India. (2024)

• What are the consequences of forced migration due to environmental degradation in India? Illustrate with examples. (2023)

• Examine the sociological implications of development-induced displacement with reference to marginalized communities. (2022)

• How do environmental issues affect social structures and gender roles in tribal societies? (2021)

• Analyze the role of state policy in addressing internal displacement due to natural disasters. (2020)

• Discuss the impact of urban floods and climate disasters on informal sector workers and migrants in Indian cities. (2019)

• Critically examine how globalization and environmental degradation have affected indigenous livelihoods in India. (2018)

• Explain how environmental movements in India reflect growing ecological consciousness and social resistance. (2017)

• Evaluate the relationship between sustainable development and displacement in India. (2016)
• Analyze the consequences of environmental degradation for social justice and equity in Indian society. (2015)