Japanese and Taiwanese Approaches to Future Climate Displaced People

Abstract

This chapter aims to examine the role of climate change and environmental drivers in the migration decision-making of Pacific Islanders and to consider whether Japan and Taiwan may be a viable option for climate displaced migrants. The chapter builds on data from secondary sources to demonstrate how climate displacement is affecting Pacific Island populations and outlines Pacific Islanders’ thoughts and perspectives regarding a potentially displaced future. By delving into experiences of Pacific Island migrants who are now living in Taiwan and Japan, as well as detailing the experiences of recent refugees and the policies which affect them, the chapter shows how their observations could help to inform the migratory decisions of future displaced populations. Considering lived experiences could also help guide policymakers on how to make the climate migrants’ transition far less challenging than has previously been the case. To balance the chapter, the domestic discourse within Japan and Taiwan regarding accepting climate migrants is also considered. The chapter concludes that although both Taiwan and Japan have the capacity to accept climate displaced people from the Pacific Islands, their migratory transition is not likely to be smooth.