The decarbonization of ports and its impacts on the rights of environmental refugees between hospitality and the risk of exclusion

Abstract

The energy transition has become a strategic axis in global environmental policies, particularly in the maritime transport and port infrastructure sectors. However, while port decarbonization is essential for mitigating climate change, it may also produce unintended side effects on vulnerable populations, especially environmental refugees. This article examines the impacts of port decarbonization policies on the rights of these refugees, through the intersection of International Environmental Law, Migration Law, and the principles of climate justice. The objective is to reflect on how the lack of legal recognition for environmental refugees, combined with fragmented public policies in both port and migration sectors, contributes to the exclusion and invisibility of these individuals in strategic areas such as the Port of Santos. The methodology is qualitative, based on bibliographic review, document analysis, and case study. The guiding hypothesis is that current energy sustainability plans in Brazilian ports do not incorporate protective mechanisms for migrants forcibly displaced by extreme climate events, thus undermining the effectiveness of fundamental rights in contexts of ecological crisis. The findings highlight regulatory gaps, lack of inter-institutional coordination, and the absence of specific climate-related reception protocols. Based on these observations, the article proposes guidelines for more inclusive port governance, committed not only to carbon neutrality but also to the comprehensive protection of displaced populations. This research contributes to the debate on a just and sustainable energy transition that promotes both environmental equity and respect for human rights.