ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts covered in this book. The book discusses that forms of internal displacement whether attributed primarily to development, to disaster, shock and calamity or to environmental change, including anthropogenic climate change are converging. Climate change mitigation and adaptation projects may invoke development-forced displacement and resettlement (DFDR) responses. The DFDR experience offers the valuable concept of wider 'resettlement' that should address livelihoods and what underpins them in terms of social fabric rather than simply concerning itself with the basics of relocation and housing. Slow-onset climate change and long-term disaster solutions merge into development-linked resettlement planning. State and substate laws, which may sometimes be antiquated, set the legal framework for land acquisition and clearing, mostly with little cognizance of displacement impacts. Environmental policies and laws affecting displacement are evolving, while climate change displacement is barely recognised in international and state law. International soft law provides guidance for addressing the consequences of disasters.
