Amitav Ghosh spoke at the Humanities Symposium about climate change and migration, emphasizing the complex relationship between the two. His address, based on his book “The Great Derangement,” highlighted the necessity of diverse academic approaches and the role of technology in modern migration. Attendees engaged in deep discussions about their responsibilities and contributions to addressing these pressing issues.
Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed author and environmental activist, delivered a keynote address at the Humanities Symposium on March 13, titled “The Great Uprooting: Migration and Movement in the Age of Climate Change.” His speech, based on insights from his non-fiction book “The Great Derangement,” examined the relationship between climate change and human migration. Ghosh emphasized the urgent need to consider the broader impacts of climate crises on displaced populations around the world.
Ghosh’s book offers an interdisciplinary approach to climate change, incorporating perspectives from history, politics, and the arts. As Dr. Billy Friebele, the Humanities Symposium Director noted, the work showcases that diverse academic disciplines can contribute effectively to combating climate change. “It’s not your typical climate change book that is full of depressing facts and figures. It’s more about how we, as individuals in our respective fields, need to think about climate change and its impact,” said Friebele.
During his address, Ghosh discussed how climate change intensifies global migration patterns. He shared personal experiences from his visits to migrant camps in Italy, highlighting interviews with individuals affected by environmental and political crises. Reflecting on his family’s own displacement from Bangladesh due to a climate event in the 1990s, he explained how his linguistic skills allowed him to connect with migrants and share their stories.
Ghosh pointed out the crucial role of technology, particularly cell phones, in aiding migration. He noted these devices serve as essential lifelines for migrants, providing safety and communication. “Every link in the chain of movement depends on cell phones. Their mobile devices are their compasses that guide them on their journeys,” Ghosh stated, underscoring how vital technology is during perilous migratory journeys.
The symposium engaged attendees deeply, showcasing their reflections on migration and climate change. Ana Sofia Calderon, a student in attendance, was motivated by her own family’s immigrant history. “My grandparents from the Dominican Republic escaped Rafael Trujillo, a brutal dictator. This has always led me to be curious and passionate about people’s journeys of migration,” she shared.
Calderon noted Ghosh’s emphasis on modern migration technologies, particularly the impact of cell phones. She expressed fascination with how much communication technology has evolved to assist migrants in contemporary situations. Friebele remarked that the symposium exemplified Loyola’s liberal arts mission, fostering contributions from various disciplines to address critical global issues.
As the event concluded, Ghosh urged attendees to rethink their perspectives on migration and climate change, challenging them to consider how they might contribute solutions within their own fields. The symposium served as a vital reminder of the need for reflection and collaboration in tackling the complex interrelation of climate change and human migration.
The Humanities Symposium featuring Amitav Ghosh highlighted the critical intersections between climate change and migration. Ghosh’s insightful perspectives emphasized the role of diverse academic disciplines and technology in understanding and addressing these global challenges. The engaging discussions and reflections from attendees underscored the importance of collaboration and innovative thinking required to tackle these pressing issues effectively.
Original Source: thegreyhound.org
