Climate Change, Migration and Health in Latin America and the Caribbean

DESCRIPTION

This course aims to analyze and reflect on the dynamic, complex, and multilevel relationship between climate change, international migration, and population health in the unique regions of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In the various presentations, participants will gain knowledge about studies and debates related to the different health problems faced by populations on the move in a changing climate in the Americas.

“Climate Change, Migration, and Health in Latin America and the Caribbean” is a free, self-paced course with a certificate in which experts from the region share and discuss their own research so that participants have direct access to knowledge in this important area of work.

You can register for free in either the English or Spanish version of the course at: https://moodle.iai.int

Content

Module 1: Climate change and migration in LAC: challenges, trends, and urgent needs

This session focuses on the major trends in climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean and its dynamic and complex relationship with the health of migrants and refugees in the region.

Module 2: Climate Forces on the Health and Well-being of Children on the Move in LAC

Climate change is an emerging yet understudied force on the health and well-being of international migrant children and adolescents. Over the past decade, we have seen a steady rise in the numbers of children traveling, especially unaccompanied or traveling with adults they do not know.  Social and health risks and vulnerabilities among migrant children have been recognized globally, yet the relevance of climate change as a direct and indirect driver of health outcomes is less understood. Local evidence from LAC can contribute to current global discussions around the health and protection of children on the move.

Module 3: How Climate Change is Changing Women’s Health in LAC

Migrant women of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds provide essential care to others globally, within and outside their families to sustain health, well-being and comfort to their loved ones. There is a large proportion of migrants who are women, even larger than male migrants in some countries. Female migration is marked by gender risks and vulnerabilities, and, at the same time, migrant women develop unique and powerful resources and resilience during transit and in host societies. Climate change has been poorly explored in its connection with migrant women´s health in LAC, and this session expands evidence-based knowledge about how climate change is changing women´s health in this region.

Module 4: Climate Crisis, Food Security, and Health

Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of droughts, heat waves, and extreme weather events in the LAC region, with profound repercussions for agriculture, food production, and the overall well-being of communities in the region. This session analyzes the relationship between climate change, food security, and health in Latin America and the Caribbean. It examines the effects of extreme weather events on food availability and their consequences for the nutrition and well-being of the most vulnerable communities. 

Module 5: Drought, Heat and Extreme Weather: Climate Forces on Food-Insecurity in LAC

Extreme weather events influence food production and supply chains, with an impact on vulnerable communities. This session examines the challenges posed by climate events and community resilience strategies and policies to mitigate their effects on food security.

Module 6: Populations on the Move: How Climate Change Affects Migrants in LAC Transient Camps

The Latin American and Caribbean sub-continent has seen a significant rise in migrants-based transient camps. This is related to multiple factors, including climate change, risks during transit, and social marginalization and exclusion upon arrival in host countries, especially amongst migrants in irregular status and living in poverty. There is growing evidence around how such camps are created and sustained over time, as well as health risks related to poor material conditions, lack of access to clean water, stigma, and discrimination. In the meantime, migrants living in these camps find a way to resist and develop unique identities as they build complex social layers in their everyday activities.

Module 7: The Health of Populations in Countries Affected by Climate Change in LAC

Climate change is increasingly affecting the health of the populations of Latin America and the Caribbean. The number of people with diseases is increasing due to the number of days with a heat wave. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns influence the burden, distribution, and transmission of vector-borne diseases. Extreme weather events impact mental health and waterborne diseases due to water contamination. All these factors affect food security in rural areas and, thus, malnutrition, deteriorating air quality, forest fires and droughts that worsen respiratory diseases. These critical challenges affect mobile and immobile populations that cannot opt for migratory displacement as a measure of adaptation or survival to climate change. Still, in the case of populations that remain in countries of origin, they often become invisible and postponed.