Since 2018, environmental catastrophes have caused about three times as many displaced individuals as violence and armed conflict. Climate displacement will become a more pressing worldwide issue as disasters become more severe and frequent as a result of climate change.
The worst floods in modern South Asian history occurred in August 2022 as a result of strong monsoon rains, destroying villages and uprooting 33 million people, including roughly 16 million children. More than 7.9 million people require support after experiencing temporary displacement. An estimated 7.2 million people are said to have been affected by Bangladesh's record-breaking floods, and they are in urgent need of shelter and emergency supplies in the country's northeast. Climate displaced persons are exposed to a wide range of new flood-related risks and hazards, including from damaged buildings and drowning in floodwaters, at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning, and malnutrition. They are also living in the open with their families without access to drinking water, food, or a means of support.
As policy-makers, we wish to understand the cause of these climate disasters with a focus on South Asia, dealing with aftermath and directing efforts towards sustainable development in light of climate change.
Panelists:
Lisa Thalheimer: Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Center for Policy Research on Energy and the Environment (C-PREE) in Princeton.
Erum Haider, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies at College of Wooster: Has researched Pakistan and South Asia's climate for 10 years. She is in Ohio.
Eric Shahzar, Climate Academic and PhD candidate; research on climate action, environment degradation, and water security.
If you can't join us in person, you may join via Zoom here: https://columbiauniversity.zoom.us/j/98786663218?pwd=c21KUEZYOEcvU0xVSTBsdmNHdzc4QT09
