Migration and Climate Change

 The sources discuss the use of memes and photography within the debate of climate change. Sources such as “ Meet the ‘climate refugees’ who already have to leave their homes”, discuss how climate change has caused communities to migrate away from their homes due to harsh conditions. The article discusses the article the “natural” disaster that tore apart communities in New Orleans, hurricane Katrina. The stories of people who were affected mentally and physically by the event whether is be from being relocated to a completely different state, Indegionoys people who have had their livelihood threatened, or people who developed PTSD from the experience. According to the article, “The Refugees the World Barely Pays Attention To”, the number of displaced people due to catastrophic weather conditions had an average of  24 million people and it is predicted to continue to rise. Due to the constant occurrence of migration due to climate challenges, people began advocating for new international policies on “climate refugees”, but it was not successful. Increasing anti-immigrant sentiment and nationalism also pose as an obstacle for the creation of a policy protecting immigrants affected by climate change, especially considering that a large portion of migrants are people of color.


The articles were very informative and enlightening. It was interesting to hear the different ways that major natural disasters in Louisiana affected people in similar , but different ways. It also made me think of one of the ignored aspects of experiencing an natural disaster. Many people experience mental trauma after witnessing life changing events such as severe hurricanes and other disasters. I think that people often have their  mental health disregarded  during chaotic times like those and the topic should be given more attention. I was also reminded of the difficulties that my family faced mentally and physically during Hurricane Katrina. It was a difficult time that cause a large displacement of my family members and the conditions became detrimental to the health of many. People who are fleeing their homes due to natural disasters should be extend more protection and empathy from those who have the means to help, they can not control the situation they are in and ensuring their safety should be shown more urgency.


VOCAB:

Panoply - a wide array or collection of something.

Environmental Degradation- the deterioration of the environment through misuse of natural resources.

Monoculture- agriculture practice of growing only one specific crop.