New York Times: Migration and Climate Change

The Trump administration has targeted immigrants and asylum seekers, while rejecting scientific research along with programs that strive to stem climate change and promote family planning, despite the many connections and repercussions. Droughts, flooding and other extreme weather events contribute to environmental disasters and mass migration. “Drought and rising temperatures in Guatemala are making it harder for people to make a living or even survive, thus compounding the already tenuous political situation for the 16.6 million people who live there,” explains Lauren Markham for the New York Times. She explains how climate change and water shortages exacerbate plant diseases like coffee rust, which in turns forces people to find new livelihoods. Such weather-related challenges disrupt communities and family routines. The world has more than 7 billion people and rising seas, erratic rainfall, storms and other weather events are sure to displace more families. Markham urges the international community to prepare for mass migrations and get serious about climate change. – YaleGlobal