Amitav Ghosh Discusses Climate Change and Migration at the Humanities Symposium

Renowned author Amitav Ghosh engaged audiences at the Humanities Symposium with his keynote address focusing on climate change and migration. His talk emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches while highlighting personal narratives and the role of technology. Attendees shared personal connections to the themes discussed, reflecting a collective call to action in addressing these global challenges.

Amitav Ghosh, a distinguished author and environmental activist, delivered a compelling keynote address on March 13 at the Humanities Symposium. His talk, titled “The Great Uprooting: Migration and Movement in the Age of Climate Change,” emphasized the intersection of climate change and human migration, urging attendees to reflect on the implications of the climate crisis for displaced individuals.

In his presentation, Ghosh discussed themes from his non-fiction book “The Great Derangement,” which offers an interdisciplinary perspective on climate issues, incorporating history, politics, and the arts. He articulated the need for scholars in various fields to examine climate change creatively, rather than being mere purveyors of dire statistics. Dr. Billy Friebele, the Humanities Symposium Director, echoed this sentiment, noting the unique approach of Ghosh’s work to transcend conventional narratives regarding climate change.

Ghosh shared personal experiences from his travels to migrant camps in Italy, where he interviewed individuals affected by environmental crises and political unrest. He conveyed a personal connection to the topic, stating, “My own family was displaced from Bangladesh from a climate event in the 1990s.” His linguistic capabilities allowed him to connect deeply with migrant populations, providing valuable insights into their realities.

A significant aspect of Ghosh’s discourse was the role of technology in migration, particularly the influence of cell phones. He remarked that these devices serve as essential tools for migrants, offering safety, navigating routes, and facilitating communication during treacherous journeys.

The symposium fostered engaging discussions among participants, reflecting the passionate interest in migration issues as illustrated by attendee Ana Sofia Calderon, whose family’s migration history fueled her curiosity about the subject. She noted the contrast between historical and contemporary migration experiences, particularly the transformative impact of technology.

Friebele highlighted the event’s synergy with Loyola’s liberal arts mission, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing global challenges. He remarked on the rich dialogue spurred by the symposium, which united students from varied disciplines to engage with Ghosh’s work.

As the event concluded, Ghosh urged the audience to rethink their understanding of migration and climate change, emphasizing that awareness alone is insufficient. He challenged participants to consider how their respective fields might contribute to effective solutions.

Ultimately, the symposium served as a vital reminder for both students and faculty at Loyola concerning the urgent necessity for collaborative efforts in navigating the intricate relationship between climate change and human migration.

The Humanities Symposium featuring Amitav Ghosh effectively illuminated the complex connections between climate change and migration. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Ghosh inspired attendees to reflect critically on their roles in addressing these pressing global challenges. The discussions sparked by the event underscored the importance of technology in modern migration and highlighted the vital need for collaborative action within academic communities. As Ghosh articulated, understanding the issues is only the first step; active contribution towards solutions is essential.

Original Source: thegreyhound.org