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Beyond ‘Climate Refugees’: Understanding global and local communities displaced by climate change
March 8, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Free
Climate change affects everyone, but some more than others, and at times to an exponential degree. Following climate disasters, individuals and communities are displaced, and vulnerable populations living in climate change “hotspots” are most disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. These individuals are further endangered by issues of food and water insecurity due to the way that climate change multiplies threats.
On March 8th, the UBC Climate Action Mobilizers will be hosting Beyond “Climate Refugees:” Understanding global and local communities displaced by climate change to address this increasingly critical issue in Canada (examples include wildfires, flooding, and other extreme weather events) and abroad.
The term “climate refugee” is not legally recognized by UNHCR nor the Canadian federal government, and does not fully account for all those displaced by climate change. As such, at our event we will be using the terms climate displacement and climate displaced individuals. Currently, Canada is not committed to any legally binding global pact on climate change displacement, and there is no official definition for climate change-induced internal displacement within Canada.
This event will feature a panel discussion, bringing together individuals with lived experience of climate change displacement, policymakers, and community organizations working with climate change-displaced individuals to ideate ways to ensure that local communities are prepared, empowered and supported for climate change-induced displacement. As well, understanding that international crises often can lead to local crises, we seek to understand and advocate for migration pathways for individuals displaced due to international climate disasters.
Join us for an important discussion on climate change displacement in Canada and globally! There will also be an opportunity to write a letter to the provincial or federal government to voice your support for increased protection for climate-displaced peoples, led by UBC’s Amnesty International chapter.
📅Workshop: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 5:30PM – 7:30PM
📍Where: Hybrid Zoom and In-person at the BC Hydro Theatre in the CIRS building on campus |2260 West Mall, Vancouver
Price: Free
Sign up here: bit.ly/BeyondClimateRefugees