Report on Climate Displacement and Sea Level Rise: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Climate Displacement in Media

The Danish TV drama Families Like Ours depicts a near future where Denmark faces evacuation due to rising sea levels. The series highlights the emotional and bureaucratic challenges of relocating an entire population, reflecting the real-world implications of climate change.

Challenging Misconceptions About Climate Change and Migration

The series challenges the misconception that wealthy Western countries are immune to climate change effects. It portrays the complexities of relocation, including:

• Visa acquisition difficulties
• Family fractures
• Social and economic inequalities affecting resettlement opportunities

However, the scenario of Denmark becoming uninhabitable due to submergence is not scientifically supported, and such narratives risk overshadowing urgent political discussions on adaptation.

Scientific Context of Sea Level Rise

1. Sea levels are rising by a few millimeters annually, with acceleration observed.
2. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts up to one meter rise by 2100.
3. Post-2100 scenarios suggest possible rises of several meters, though with high uncertainty.
4. Permanent submergence causing uninhabitability of large areas like Denmark is unlikely within this century.

Sea level rise poses significant risks to coastal livelihoods, as seen in the UK regions such as Norfolk and Fairbourne, where homes face erosion and flooding threats.

Impact on Coastal Communities and Adaptation Challenges

• Coastal properties may become uninsurable or devalued, forcing gradual migration.
• Flooding risks increase in European cities, including Copenhagen.
• Adaptation measures are essential to protect vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

The Danger of Mass Migration Narratives

Misleading Portrayals of Climate-Induced Migration

Portraying climate change as a driver of uncontrolled mass migration is misleading. Key points include:

• Climate migration mainly occurs within countries or regions.
• International migration due to climate impacts is rare.
• The term “climate mobility” better captures the diversity of migration types: forced, voluntary, temporary, or seasonal.
• Communities often resist relocation and develop adaptive strategies to remain in place.

Policy and Global Discussions

Global discussions focus on protecting affected populations and maintaining statehood despite environmental challenges. Initiatives such as the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition advocate for managed retreat as a rational adaptation strategy.

Risks of Mass Migration Narratives

• Such narratives may justify extreme protectionist policies.
• They can sideline urgent adaptation debates and equitable solutions.
• Habitability depends on human actions and adaptation, not solely environmental change.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDGs Addressed

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – Emphasizing the need for urgent adaptation to sea level rise and climate impacts.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Protecting coastal cities and ensuring resilient infrastructure.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing social and economic disparities in relocation and adaptation processes.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Encouraging inclusive governance and fair policies for affected populations.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty – Mitigating the economic impacts on vulnerable communities facing displacement.

Challenges and Recommendations

• Adaptation financing is unevenly distributed, requiring equitable resource allocation.
• Migration decisions are influenced by social, political, economic, and demographic factors beyond climate alone.
• Managed retreat and relocation must prioritize justice and benefit the most affected populations.
• Public narratives should move beyond mass migration myths to foster informed, justice-focused debates.

Conclusion

Sea level rise presents a complex challenge that intersects with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Effective climate action requires:

1. Scientific understanding to guide realistic adaptation strategies.
2. Inclusive policies that protect vulnerable communities and reduce inequalities.
3. Global cooperation and local resilience-building initiatives.
4. Responsible media portrayals to avoid misleading mass migration fears.

Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring sustainable development and safeguarding the future of coastal populations worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article focuses on the impacts of climate change, particularly sea level rise and its effects on populations, highlighting the need for climate adaptation and mitigation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Discussion about the risks to coastal communities, urban flooding, and the need for managed retreat and adaptation in cities like Copenhagen.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article emphasizes inequalities in social and economic capital affecting people’s chances for relocation and adaptation.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • References to livelihoods being threatened by sea level rise and the economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Mentions political questions about adaptation, protection of affected populations, and statehood after potential submergence.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
   • Target 11.B: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.5: Build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Rate of sea level rise (millimeters per year) as predicted by the IPCC.
   • Number of people affected by climate-related hazards such as coastal flooding.
   • Extent of adaptation measures implemented in vulnerable coastal zones.
2. Indicators related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
   • Number of homes at risk of flooding or coastal erosion (e.g., in Copenhagen, Norfolk, Fairbourne).
   • Number of cities implementing managed retreat or other adaptation strategies.
3. Indicators related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Measures of social and economic capital disparities affecting migration and adaptation opportunities.
4. Indicators related to SDG 1 (No Poverty)
   • Number of people forced to move due to uninsurable or devalued housing caused by climate impacts.
5. Indicators related to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Existence and effectiveness of policies and institutions managing climate displacement and adaptation.
   • Level of inclusive decision-making regarding managed retreat and protection of affected populations.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com