Amitav Ghosh spoke at the Humanities Symposium about the connection between climate change and migration, emphasizing the need for an interdisciplinary response. His insights stemmed from personal experiences and research, highlighting technology’s role in modern migration. The event fostered discussion among attendees regarding their perspectives on these urgent global issues.
Amitav Ghosh, an acclaimed author and environmental activist, delivered a compelling keynote address titled “The Great Uprooting: Migration and Movement in the Age of Climate Change” at the Humanities Symposium on March 13. The event focused on his non-fiction work, “The Great Derangement,” which investigates the relationship between climate change and human displacement. Ghosh emphasized the importance of considering the ramifications of climate crises on affected populations.
In discussing his book, Ghosh offered an interdisciplinary perspective on climate change, intertwining history, politics, and the arts. Dr. Billy Friebele, the Humanities Symposium Director, noted that Ghosh’s approach deviates from conventional climate literature, stating, “The book is about how each discipline has a role to play in climate change and coming up with solutions.”
Drawing from personal experience, Ghosh shared insights from his visits to migrant camps in Italy, where he engaged with individuals affected by environmental and political adversities. He reflected on his family’s displacement from Bangladesh due to a climate event, highlighting his ability to converse with migrants in their native languages since they can express their stories more authentically.
Additionally, Ghosh addressed the pivotal role of technology in modern migration. He underscored the significance of cell phones as essential tools for migrants, stating that these devices serve not only as safety and communication aids but also as navigational aids during dire circumstances. He remarked, “Every link in the chain of movement depends on cell phones.”
The symposium fostered a vibrant exchange among attendees regarding migration and climate change. Ana Sofia Calderon, a student, articulated her family’s immigrant history from the Dominican Republic, noting her interest in migration dynamics. She highlighted the contrasts between historical and contemporary migration, particularly the role of technology.
Friebele commended the symposium for embodying the liberal arts mission at Loyola, which encourages diverse disciplines to engage in significant dialogues. As the symposium concluded, Ghosh posed a thought-provoking challenge to the audience, urging them to reevaluate their perspectives on migration and climate change, while considering ways to contribute to solutions.
The event served as a crucial reminder for the Loyola community about the urgency of proactive engagement with the intricate issues relating to climate change and human migration.
In summary, Amitav Ghosh’s keynote address at the Humanities Symposium highlighted the critical interplay between climate change and human migration. By integrating personal experiences, interdisciplinary insights, and the role of technology, Ghosh effectively fostered dialogue on these pressing global challenges. The event underscored the importance of reflection and action in addressing the complexities of migration in the context of a changing climate.
Original Source: thegreyhound.org
