On the Future of Climate Mobility (with Jane McAdam)

In this episode, Jane McAdam, a Lincoln alumna and Scientia Professor of Law, explores the link between climate change and human mobility. In particular, she discusses how disasters and environmental changes - such as rising sea levels - can directly trigger forced migration both within countries and across borders. She explores how, in the last decade, we've come to a more nuanced understanding of how the impact of climate change intersects with existing forms of persecution, worsening the human rights of people in their countries of origin.

She also examines the usefulness of the term "climate refugee". Although not a legal term, it can be a useful shorthand to describe people forced to move because climate change is making their environment unsustainable.

Looking ahead, McAdam addresses the complexities of creating legal frameworks, both nationally and internationally, to protect climate-displaced populations. She suggests a toolkit of responses that will reduce the effects of climate change, help people stay in their homes, and provide protections -- such as new mobility visas - for those who are displaced.

Jane is the Scientia Professor of Law and founding director of the Kaldor Center for International Refugee Law at the University of New South Wales, where she leads the Evacuations Research Hub.

CREDITS:
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014) who developed this series with Lincoln College.

Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by Rachael Buchanan
Camera by Julius Peacock
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd
Photography by John Cairns and Fisher Studios