CLIMATE MIGRATION AND URBAN SOCIAL COHESION: NEIGHBORHOOD-LEVEL EVIDENCE FROM KARACHI’S COASTAL SETTLERS

Abstract

Climate change has become a major force of migration in recent years, especially for people living in low-lying areas where sea levels are rising and extreme weather is more severe. In Karachi, Pakistan, this movement has affected city demographics and has brought host communities’ social cohesion into question. This research explores the impact of climate induced migration on neighbourhood level urban social cohesion in Karachi with specific reference to cud coasters migrated as a consequence of environmental degradation. Adopting the theory of behavioral operations, the research investigates how social networks, economic integration and local governance support or deteriorate migrants' and host communities' sustainability. The analysis is based on mixed methods using field surveys and archival data collected from 500 respondents in different districts. The results indicate that there are high barriers to the integration of climate migrants, but they also show that social cohesion was facilitated by strong social networks availability and effective local governance. These findings are useful for decision-makers and city administrators aiming to establish inclusive policies toward climate migrants. The research also contributes to knowledge about climate-induced migration and its effect on the dynamics of urban social spaces, as well as local strategies that cities can develop for becoming more resilient and building integrated communities in the context of climate-related displacement.

Keywords: Climate Migration, Urban Social Cohesion, Karachi, Coastal Settlers, Behavioral Operations, Social Capital