Climate Refugees: A Growing Trend
In 2019, Ellen Burbidge faced a harrowing experience during Australia’s bushfires. A visit to Gympie turned into a terrifying drive home, where smoke and flames painted the sky ominously. On New Year’s Eve, she had to evacuate her campground, rushing to her family in Narooma as the forest burned around her.
Burbidge remembers the fear in her four-year-old nephew’s eyes. Trying to reassure him, she urged him to stay close. They huddled together at her grandfather’s house, listening to emergency broadcasts as the power went out. That night, they took turns watching for embers and fires, craving safety in a world turned chaotic.
After the fires, Burbidge found herself in Melbourne through the pandemic before moving to Tasmania. She and her partner hoped to plant roots in a cooler climate amid growing concerns about climate change. She’s not alone in this move. Research from Charles Sturt University shows that 14% of Australians have relocated due to climate concerns. This sentiment is stronger among those who have faced extreme weather. For them, the number jumps to 33%.
A Widespread Shift
Many Australians believe Tasmania offers safety from the heating climate. Professor Clive Hamilton notes that people from New South Wales and Queensland are particularly motivated to relocate. His studies reveal that 41% of those surveyed view Tasmania as a climate haven. Indeed, the federal government’s climate risk assessment confirms that the southeast is the safest area as temperatures rise.
Amid this climate migration, Hamilton has called for more adaptation strategies from the government. He believes that while reducing emissions is vital, it’s equally crucial to address the immediate impacts of climate change. As more individuals seek refuge from climate chaos, they create demands for new community planning and infrastructure changes.
Burbidge feels a bit safer in Tasmania, yet worries remain. The waters are warming rapidly around the island, and iconic kelp forests have suffered. Recent fires even claimed ancient trees. “I thought I would feel safer,” she admits, “but I don’t think anywhere is truly safe from climate change.”
The Social Impact
The influx of climate refugees not only brings diverse skills but also reshapes communities. Jessie Bodor, a former lawyer, left Sydney’s worsening summers for the cooler Tasmanian climate. She finds joy in working for climate action and connecting with like-minded individuals, noting that new arrivals foster community commitment to climate awareness.
Launceston’s mayor has welcomed this trend, noting that new residents benefit the local economy and diversify the town’s culture. However, not all responses to change are positive. Some locals feel uneasy about the influence of newcomers, particularly during a housing crisis.
Peter George, an independent MP, observes mixed feelings about these newcomers. While welcoming the potential for economic growth, he notes the discomfort that comes with such rapid changes in the community.
Future Considerations
As climate change continues to spiral, the concept of “climate refugees” might become standard. Richard Flanagan, a prominent voice in environmental advocacy, underscores the necessity to confront uncomfortable truths about climate degradation. He suggests that as people move south seeking refuge, they must also reckon with the larger crisis affecting the planet.
In the end, this reshuffling within Australia hints at a larger pattern. Communities may split between those actively working towards climate resilience and those who remain indifferent, leading to different experiences of climate impacts.
The ongoing trend of seeking refuge may shift not just the geography but the social fabric of Australia, paving the way for new communities focused on sustainability and adaptation. As we navigate this new reality, it’s crucial to engage in collective efforts for a more resilient future.
For further insights, consider exploring recent studies on climate change impact in Australia’s National Climate Risk Assessment.
