The New International Relations of Migration: A Planetary Health Agenda?
Date
2020-12
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The reality of climate change is upon us. Climate change has proven to affect a variety of International Relations issues. This includes the complex challenge of modern-day migration. There is a relationship that can be postulated which suggests that climate change, migration, and health are interconnected. When the 2015 Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change formulated and theorised a conceptual framework of the marriage between climate change and health, the notion of "planetary health" was born. A number of questions formed when researching this connection. The study poses two questions, one primary and one secondary. The primary research question is: Does planetary health suggest an agenda for addressing the relationship of climate change and global health (GH) in International Relations? The secondary question is: What are the implications of implementing the principles of planetary health as a response in resolving the challenges of migration? This study works to answer these questions by first presenting the genealogy and theoretical evolution of ecological and global health studies. It sought to find an analytical tool that may be able to facilitate a better understanding of challenges, such as modern-day migration. This study develops and applies a planetary health conceptual framework to the case study of Bangladesh, as it is an undeniably dramatic example of a country that experiences health challenges and climate change consequences. The study follows a deductive logic and qualitative research method. It is based mainly on secondary sources and grey literature but includes a small number of semi-structured interviews with key informants as primary sources. The main conclusion of the study is planetary health successfully offers a response for climate change and global health as it clearly presents the interests of both narratives, whilst preserving the health of the earth and the well-being of the Earth‘s population. Planetary health, as an emerging interdisciplinary field, understands that migration is not a challenge that can be addressed effectively merely by focusing on one variable; all other influences of climate change and health need to be a part of the conversation. The failure to translate this knowledge into action is what planetary health is often criticised for. Much is described, contributed, and researched, yet few of the challenges materialise into effective action.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen Afrikaanse opsomming beskikbaar nie.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen Afrikaanse opsomming beskikbaar nie.
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2020.
Keywords
Emigration and immigration -- Social aspects, International affairs -- Emigration and immigration, Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change, Global health -- Emigration and Immigration, Climate changes, Biodiversity -- Health aspects, UCTD