Amitav Ghosh delivered a keynote at the Humanities Symposium discussing climate change and migration. His address emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, the role of technology for migrants, and personal reflections on displacement. Attendees engaged deeply with these themes, highlighting the urgent need for action and understanding in addressing global challenges.
On March 13, renowned author and environmental activist Amitav Ghosh delivered a compelling keynote address at the Humanities Symposium titled, “The Great Uprooting: Migration and Movement in the Age of Climate Change.” His talk focused on the critical intersection between climate change and human migration, as discussed in his non-fiction book, “The Great Derangement,” highlighting the broader implications of the climate crisis on displaced populations.
Ghosh’s interdisciplinary examination of the climate crisis incorporates perspectives from history, politics, and the arts. Dr. Billy Friebele, Director of the Humanities Symposium and Associate Professor of Visual Arts at Loyola, remarked on the unconventional approach of Ghosh’s book: “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.”
During his address, Ghosh articulated how climate change intensifies global migration patterns. Drawing from personal experiences, he shared insights from his visits to migrant camps in Italy, where he spoke with individuals affected by environmental and political crises. “My own family was displaced from Bangladesh from a climate event in the 1990s,” Ghosh recounted, underscoring his motivation to communicate their stories.
The author further emphasized the pivotal role of technology in modern migration, particularly the significance of cell phones as essential tools for migrants. Ghosh stated, “Every link in the chain of movement depends on cell phones. Their mobile devices are their compasses that guide them on their journeys. When migrants confront danger, their first move is to call someone for help.”
The symposium prompted engaging discussions among participants, with students such as Ana Sofia Calderon ’28 expressing personal connections to the themes of migration due to her family’s history. “I was personally interested as well because all of my grandparents are immigrants. My grandparents from the Dominican Republic escaped Rafael Trujillo, a brutal dictator,” she shared. Calderon noted distinctions between historical and contemporary migration, especially the unique role of technology.
Friebele outlined how the symposium reinforced Loyola’s dedication to the liberal arts mission, integrating varied disciplines in discussions around global challenges. “It’s amazing to sit in that room and hear the perspective of a theology student and then hear the perspectives of a writing student… we’re all contributing to this larger discussion,” he stated.
As the event concluded, Ghosh prompted the audience to reconsider their views on migration and climate change: “It is not enough to understand the issues. It is time to rethink how we view migration and climate change, and how we, in our own disciplines, can contribute to solutions.” The symposium served as a pivotal reminder of the urgent need for collaborative reflection and action in addressing the intricate relationship between climate change and human migration.
In summary, Amitav Ghosh’s keynote address at the Humanities Symposium highlighted the urgent intersection of climate change and migration. His interdisciplinary approach, combined with personal insights, encouraged attendees to reflect on their own roles in addressing these global challenges. The discussions sparked by his address emphasized the importance of technology and collaboration across disciplines to contribute to solutions for those displaced by climate change.
Original Source: thegreyhound.org
