South Asian Diaspora's Role in Climate Action Beyond Humanitarian Efforts

What is it about?

This study explores the dynamics of South Asian climate transnationalism by examining the relationship between the South Asian diaspora and climate action within the region. It draws upon original qualitative research to highlight the inadequacy of concepts like 'diaspora humanitarianism' and 'intensive transnationalism' in capturing the diverse and ongoing nature of diasporic climate action. The scope of the study includes the role of South Asian religions and environmental rationalities in motivating climate-related activities, which are not solely driven by religious beliefs. The study argues that South Asian diasporic climate action is a significant phenomenon, both in terms of scale and presence, and is often motivated by a combination of environmental concerns, family connections, and cultural attachments. This climate transnationalism is presented as a constant and evolving response to the persistent climate crises in South Asia, challenging the notion of isolated, sporadic humanitarian responses. The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding this phenomenon within broader migration and transnational studies, as well as its implications for global climate justice and policy.

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Photo by Dibakar Roy on Unsplash

Photo by Dibakar Roy on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study investigates the critical role of the South Asian diaspora in addressing climate change impacts within South Asia, a region significantly affected by the global climate emergency. The research highlights the concept of climate transnationalism, which has not been fully recognized in prior studies of South Asian migration and diaspora. The study underscores the inadequacy of existing concepts like diaspora humanitarianism in capturing the full range and continuity of diasporic climate actions, emphasizing the need for new frameworks to understand these contributions. The broader relevance of this research lies in its potential to inform policy-making and governance strategies that leverage diaspora networks for sustainable development and climate action in regions most vulnerable to climate change. Key Takeaways: 1. The research demonstrates that contemporary South Asian climate transnationalism is a significant phenomenon that has been overlooked in previous literature on migration and diaspora studies, necessitating a reevaluation of existing theoretical frameworks. 2. Findings reveal that the motivations behind South Asian diasporic climate actions are diverse, involving not only religious beliefs but also environmental rationalities and concepts of climate justice and coloniality, which operate both independently and in conjunction with religious motivations. 3. The study identifies that the South Asian diaspora's climate-related initiatives are continuous and persistent, rather than sporadic responses to isolated disasters, challenging previous notions of diaspora humanitarianism and highlighting an ongoing commitment to climate action.