Non-economic loss and damage in climate migration: the case of Korail slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

This thesis explores the non-economic loss and damage of climate induced migration in Korali Slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. With climate change on a horizon, vulnerable communities in Bangladesh are increasingly displaced especially by various environmental factors, especially natural disasters like the erosion of riverbanks, flooding, and the intrusion of saline waters. While much of the discourse on climate change is on the economic loss and damage, this research emphasizes the often-over-looked non-economic loss and impact of climate change. This includes displacement, loss of cultural identity, traditional knowledge, inter-generational impact and psychological impact of the climate migrants. By utilizing the secondary data analysis approach, the study synthesizes academic literature, governmental reports, NGOs and media publications to document the non-economic impact of climate experienced by climate migrants in Korali. The thesis highlights the loss of traditional livelihood and fragmentation of the society, resulting in a state of disorientation and loss amongst the migrants. The findings further demonstrate how non-economic losses, though clearly visible, are largely neglected by policy makers especially when it comes to climate justice of the vulnerable communities. Grounded by the principle of climate justice, the thesis calls for the incorporation of NELD in both national and international policy frameworks. By presenting Korail Slum as a case study, the current research contributes to the growing body of discourse advocating for understanding and recognizing of NELD so that all spectrums of climate impacts are fully addressed to fight against climate change and justice is ensured.