Informational Justice and Environmental Justice for Climate Refugees

Perspectives in the Anthropocene Era

Abstract

This article discusses the challenges faced by climate refugees, highlighting the consequences of the lack of legal recognition of this category from the perspectives of informational justice and environmental justice. Starting from the context of the Anthropocene, we highlight how the most vulnerable populations of the Global South, although less responsible for the climate crisis, are the most affected. We analyze the historical and political obstacles that prevent the recognition of these individuals as subjects of rights, revealing the power dynamics behind the resistance to the term "climate refugee". Based on a literature review, we articulate the concepts of informational and environmental justice, demonstrating their interdependence in the analysis of environmental inequalities. The methodology combines an interdisciplinary literature review (Information Science, International Law and Human Rights) with documentary analysis of initiatives led by climate refugees on the social media platforms Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Three projects directly managed by climate refugees were studied, highlighting their capacity for mobilization despite adversities. The results, however, indicate that participation on the platforms is still restricted, associated with the lack of legal recognition of the category and the scarcity of institutional support, which limits its visibility and action in the information space.