Compassion in Crisis: Disaster Victims’ Attitudes toward Climate Migrants

• In Event: Migration Motives and Public Opinion

Abstract

How does experiencing climate change or natural disasters impact attitudes toward climate-induced migrants? While several studies indicate these events often lead to decreased support for others, the situation is complex, as this tendency varies in certain contexts, such as during immediate-onset disasters or within the same ethno-religious groups, where increased altruism is often observed. Drawing on data from original surveys with Japanese nationals, this study examines the attitudes of those affected by climate change or natural disasters toward climate-induced migrants. It reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between the severity of natural adversity and positive attitudes, highlighting that individuals with moderate suffering are more empathetic toward such migrants, whereas those with no or extreme disaster experiences show less favorability. Applying the concept of 'compassion fatigue' from clinical psychology, the study explains how firsthand experiences, alongside exposure to others' suffering, might reduce favorability. By focusing on the degrees of disaster severity, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of attitudes toward climate-induced migrants, emphasizing the interplay of personal experiences and societal factors. These findings are vital for policymakers in disaster-prone countries, emphasizing the complexities of attitudes toward climate-induced migrants and the need for tailored approaches in immigration policy and climate change adaptation.

Authors

• Jieun Susie Park, University of California Los Angeles

• Jiyoung Kim, University of California, Los Angeles