Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
This video tells the story of Somsak, a Thai farmer from Chiang Rai province, and how climate change plays into the decisions he and his wife make for their family. We follow their story up to the year in 2050 in an aspirational scenario for Thailand, where social, political and economic conditions have evolved to support adaptation to climate change. Their story shows that migration can be an effective adaptation strategy to deal with the economic vulnerabilities associated with increased climate extremes, although this often comes at a high social cost. Recognising this and either offering alternatives or facilitating safe and orderly migration, while ensuring social protection standards, can increase safety and choice.
This video builds on research undertaken by the EU-funded HABITABLE project, which examines the interactions between climate change, habitability and migration. As the impacts of the climate crisis combine with other risks, migration may serve as an effective adaptation strategy. However, it can also lead to increased vulnerability, and for many it is not an option, either by choice or due to a lack of resources. The links between climate change, habitability and human mobility are complex and highly context specific, with the reasons for and outcomes of migration dependent on a variety of social, political, economic, environmental and demographic factors.
Developing plausible future scenarios of how global warming may shape migration in different contexts can aid the planning and implementation of measures to support adaptation, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability. The video here was co-developed with experts on climate change adaptation, migration, gender dynamics and sustainable development in Thailand, and aims to support the development of people-centred solutions to the climate crisis.
This video is part of a series of scenario stories produced as part of the HABITABLE project. For more videos, please see here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1ArCHLaLKSlNWhd7onElsrHSaHWrXzJb
For more information about scenarios and their development, check our “In search of a habitable future” report here: habitableproject.org/publication/in-search-of-a-habitable-future
For more insights and recommendations from the HABITABLE project, please visit our website: habitableproject.org
Produced by: Joshua Knowles
Directed by: Tobias Bernstein, adelphi research
adelphi research is an independent think tank for environmental and development policy research and analysis. Our mission is to enable transformative change and to create a sustainable future for generations to come.
adelphi research (adelphi-research.de/en), established in 2001 in Berlin, is a non-profit and independent institution. Our team of over 100 researchers specialises in analysing environmental, energy, and climate policies at both national and international levels. We're passionate about conducting transdisciplinary research projects that delve into environmental, development, and social policy matters. Additionally, we actively promote knowledge dissemination through lectures, publications, and events. Our aim is to reach a wide audience, sharing insights and raising awareness on topics related to nature, environmental and resource protection, as well as development cooperation on a national scale.
adelphi research plays a crucial role in advancing environmental protection, social development, poverty reduction, peace-building, and fostering economic, political, and social participation in countries of the global South. We achieve this through the implementation of practical projects and the provision of scientifically grounded recommendations for action. Our aim is to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in these regions.
This video tells the story of Somsak, a Thai farmer from Chiang Rai province, and how climate change plays into the decisions he and his wife make for their family. We follow their story up to the year in 2050 in an aspirational scenario for Thailand, where social, political and economic conditions have evolved to support adaptation to climate change. Their story shows that migration can be an effective adaptation strategy to deal with the economic vulnerabilities associated with increased climate extremes, although this often comes at a high social cost. Recognising this and either offering alternatives or facilitating safe and orderly migration, while ensuring social protection standards, can increase safety and choice.
This video builds on research undertaken by the EU-funded HABITABLE project, which examines the interactions between climate change, habitability and migration. As the impacts of the climate crisis combine with other risks, migration may serve as an effective adaptation strategy. However, it can also lead to increased vulnerability, and for many it is not an option, either by choice or due to a lack of resources. The links between climate change, habitability and human mobility are complex and highly context specific, with the reasons for and outcomes of migration dependent on a variety of social, political, economic, environmental and demographic factors.
Developing plausible future scenarios of how global warming may shape migration in different contexts can aid the planning and implementation of measures to support adaptation, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability. The video here was co-developed with experts on climate change adaptation, migration, gender dynamics and sustainable development in Thailand, and aims to support the development of people-centred solutions to the climate crisis.
This video is part of a series of scenario stories produced as part of the HABITABLE project. For more videos, please see here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1ArCHLaLKSlNWhd7onElsrHSaHWrXzJb
For more information about scenarios and their development, check our “In search of a habitable future” report here: habitableproject.org/publication/in-search-of-a-habitable-future
For more insights and recommendations from the HABITABLE project, please visit our website: habitableproject.org
Produced by: Joshua Knowles
Directed by: Tobias Bernstein, adelphi research
adelphi research is an independent think tank for environmental and development policy research and analysis. Our mission is to enable transformative change and to create a sustainable future for generations to come.
adelphi research (adelphi-research.de/en), established in 2001 in Berlin, is a non-profit and independent institution. Our team of over 100 researchers specialises in analysing environmental, energy, and climate policies at both national and international levels. We're passionate about conducting transdisciplinary research projects that delve into environmental, development, and social policy matters. Additionally, we actively promote knowledge dissemination through lectures, publications, and events. Our aim is to reach a wide audience, sharing insights and raising awareness on topics related to nature, environmental and resource protection, as well as development cooperation on a national scale.
adelphi research plays a crucial role in advancing environmental protection, social development, poverty reduction, peace-building, and fostering economic, political, and social participation in countries of the global South. We achieve this through the implementation of practical projects and the provision of scientifically grounded recommendations for action. Our aim is to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in these regions.
