Climate Change as a Reason for Asylum. A just Claim?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Problem Formulation

1.2. State of Research

1.3. Topical Relevance

1.4. Scientific Approach

2. Climate Change and Migration

2.1. Conceptual History and Definitions

2.2. Legal Status of Climate Refugees

2.3. Hotspots for Climate-Induced Displacement

2.3.1. Island Nations

2.3.2. Tropical Coasts

2.3.3. Sahel

3. John Rawls' Conception of Justice

3.1. Justice as Fairness

3.2. Principles of Justice

3.3. Original Position

3.4. Law of People

4. Justice of Asylum for Climate Refugees

4.1. Judgement by Rawls' Principles of Justice

4.2. Climate Asylum Laws in Original Position

5. Conclusion

Objectives and Thematic Focus

This thesis examines the philosophical justification for granting political asylum to climate refugees, specifically applying John Rawls' theory of "justice as fairness" to determine the obligations of industrial nations toward those displaced by human-induced climate change.

• Analysis of the nexus between climate change and forced migration.
• Evaluation of the current international legal status of climate refugees.
• Application of John Rawls' "Original Position" and "Veil of Ignorance" to asylum policies.
• Critique of the G20 nations' responsibility regarding climate-induced displacement.
• Development of a normative framework for just asylum entitlements in a changing climate.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Outlines the problem of climate-induced migration and the urgent need for a philosophical assessment of asylum rights for the displaced.

2. Climate Change and Migration: Investigates the definitions of climate refugees and identifies geographical hotspots such as island nations and the Sahel zone.

3. John Rawls' Conception of Justice: Explores the theoretical framework of "justice as fairness," the original position, and the law of peoples as a basis for evaluating social cooperation.

4. Justice of Asylum for Climate Refugees: Applies Rawlsian principles to argue that climate-induced migration constitutes a just claim for asylum within the context of global responsibility.

5. Conclusion: Summarizes that although complex, the moral imperative for industrial nations to protect climate refugees is derived from the necessity of preserving basic human liberties.

Keywords

Climate Change, Migration, Asylum, John Rawls, Justice as Fairness, Climate Refugees, Original Position, Environmental Degradation, Human Rights, Global North, Industrial Nations, Social Cooperation, Displacement, Law of Peoples, Sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis explores whether the claim to asylum for individuals displaced by human-induced climate change is a "just claim" based on the political philosophy of John Rawls.

Which central topics are discussed?

The work covers the definitions of climate migration, legal frameworks regarding refugees, geographical hotspots like island nations, and the application of Rawlsian ethics to international policy.

What is the primary research goal?

The objective is to evaluate the obligation of states—particularly industrial nations—to provide protection to climate refugees through the lens of egalitarian liberalism.

Which scientific method is utilized?

The author uses a mix of theoretical, philosophical analysis and a descriptive evaluation of empirical data concerning climate change impacts and case studies of affected regions.

What does the main part of the work cover?

It details the concept of "justice as fairness," the "original position," and projects these concepts onto the current global situation regarding the lack of asylum rights for those displaced by climate change.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include Climate Change, Asylum, Justice as Fairness, Rawls, and Climate Refugees.

How does the "veil of ignorance" apply to climate refugees?

The "veil of ignorance" forces decision-makers to design rules without knowing if they will be climate-displaced victims or protected citizens, leading to a focus on the "maximin" rule to protect the least advantaged.

Does the author recommend changing the Geneva Convention?

The author argues that while necessary, a direct renegotiation of the GFK (Geneva Convention) might be dangerous for existing refugee protections, suggesting instead the creation of new, specific legal instruments.

Why are island nations considered specific hotspots?

Island nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu are at extreme risk of total submersion due to sea-level rise, leaving their inhabitants with no internal alternative but to migrate.

What is the "causative principle" mentioned by the author?

The causative principle refers to the moral responsibility of industrial nations (the major emitters of greenhouse gases) to address the consequences of their actions on vulnerable populations in the global south.