CLIMATE-INDUCED DISPLACEMENT: UNDERSTANDING THE NEXUS BETWEEN CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN DISPLACEMENT IN THE MEKONG DELTA

Abstract

This thesis investigates the intersection of climate change and human displacement in the Mekong Delta, a region significantly affected by environmental alterations due to global warming. Through comprehensive analysis of historical data, this study identifies the direct impact of climate change on migration patterns and explores the socioeconomic repercussions for affected populations. The research underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate climate-induced displacement, emphasizing the role of international cooperation and policy innovation to safeguard vulnerable communities. By detailing the migration from the Mekong Delta to urban centers like Phnom Penh, the study highlights both the push factors, environmental degradation and socioeconomic instability, and the pull factors, better living conditions and economic opportunities. This thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between environmental stressors and human mobility, offering insights into potential responses to the challenges posed by climate change.