Philosophy Commons^™

The Effect Of Climate Change On Migration: An Argument For Providing Climate Migrants With Refugee Status, Nicole Stahley

Senior Theses

Global temperatures are rising at an exponential rate and, as a result, millions are being displaced by natural disasters and socioeconomic turmoil exacerbated by environmental hardship. Currently, climate change does not qualify as an extenuating circumstance that would grant refugee status to those suffering. Yet, as I argue in this thesis, experiencing substantial hardship (e.g., losing their home) due to climate change should be justification for refugee status and the rights/protection that comes with it. As they are a major contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change, the United States in particular has a moral obligation to provide …