Group Project Plan

1. Goals & Scope

Our project begins with the premise that existing legal frameworks for the management of refugees – and the institutions in place to give those frameworks force and effect – inadequately address the inevitable problem of refugees as a result of climate change. A new legal/regulatory instrument or regime is needed to address the unique challenges posed by climate-induced migration.

Goal

The overarching goal of our project, therefore, will be to increase the level of awareness and understanding of climate-induced migration among the Canadian public to an extent that will provide the political impetus necessary for Canadian policymakers to play a leadership role in the development and ratification of a new legal instrument that properly and comprehensively addresses the needs of climate migrants.

Objective

The objective of our project is to create a publicly accessible micro-website directed at the general Canadian population and senior Government of Canada policymakers to encourage Canada to play a leadership role in pushing for the adoption of a comprehensive international legal framework that will provide for, among other things, the protection of human rights and the provision of humanitarian aid to climate migrants in need.

Target Audience

• The Canadian public
• Senior Government of Canada policymakers

Website Key Messages

• The problem of climate-induced migration, left unaddressed, has ramifications for Canada and Canadians
• Canada has the capacity to lead a global response
• Historical precedents exist that highlight a realistic and constructive path forward

1. Milestones & Tasks

• Select a platform upon which to build the microsite
• Finalize website content outline reflective of each substantive section (some general commentary on the content of each section is included)
  • Natural Sciences
    • A review of the scientific evidence related to climate change in a geographic region, and the probable ancillary causes of climate-induced migration
      • Drought
      • Disease
      • Food Insecurity
      • The possibility of climate-induced violent conflict
    • Scientifically quantifying the risks in this region
  • Humanities
    • How do we galvanize an international coalition to accept our recommended path forward?
      • What methods of communication, storytelling, etc.
    • Are there historical lessons we can look to?
      • Civil rights movement
    • Social Sciences
      • What political, social, economic, geographic considerations are at play that make dealing with this problem complicated?
      • What models of success can we look to?
        • Latin America
          • Currently the second-largest migration crisis in the world and climate-change related drought and food insecurity is a large contributing factor.
          • Latin America is also home to one of the most successful historical examples of cooperation on refugees anywhere in the world.
            • The 1989 International Conference on Central American Refugees (CIREFCA) set comprehensive standards for recognizing and responding to different categories of migration.
            • This could be a model that we encourage the international community, with Canada’s leadership, to emulate in addressing the challenges associated with climate-induced migration.
          • Synthesis / Policy Recommendations
        • Outline graphical and visual treatment recommendations for each section
        • Complete first draft of website mock-up
        • Review and incorporate feedback on draft website
        • Complete final version of website