Rethinking the discourse: From restriction to free migration

Abstract

The planet-wide effects of climate change cry out for a changed discourse. Economics, with its customary simplifying assumptions, such as ceteris paribus and pari passu, is ill-prepared to meet the emerging challenges.  The cross border movement of people is one of those challenges where fresh thinking is essential.  I reflect here on the desirability for the opening of all borders to migratory flows and extending rights to a social protection floor and basic income for all.  To not do so is likely to lead to human suffering of an unparalleled extent. Designing and negotiating such initiatives should start now to head off humanitarian disasters.