Abstract
In the public debate climate change is been discussed as the new big thing leading to millions of migrants. This public debate is characterized by two fundamental misconceptions: (a) the environment-migration nexus would be new and (b) migration has increased significantly in recent years due to climate change and will continue to do so to an increasing extent in the future. This talk will take a closer look at the environment-migration nexus in rural Thailand and argue that since long time migration has been a major driver of rural life and local changes in Thailand. In contrast to the stories presented in the media migration in the context of climate change is not merely a forced decision of last resort but also in important adaptation strategy. Migration has the potential to transform people lives. Focusing in particular on international migration from rural Thailand this talk will shed light to the question in how far migration can enhance the social resilience of migrants and their families back home in rural Thailand
March 20, 2019
