Amitav Ghosh spoke at the Humanities Symposium on March 13, focusing on climate change and migration. His keynote, inspired by his book “The Great Derangement,” urged attendees to reassess the implications of the climate crisis on displaced people. With insights from personal experiences to the role of technology, Ghosh fostered a meaningful discussion on global challenges.
On March 13, esteemed author and environmental advocate, Amitav Ghosh, delivered a compelling keynote address at the Humanities Symposium titled, “The Great Uprooting: Migration and Movement in the Age of Climate Change.” The symposium, which centered on his work, “The Great Derangement,” examined the critical connections between climate change and human displacement, urging attendees to reflect on its broader implications for marginalized populations.
Ghosh’s book explores the climate crisis from multiple perspectives, integrating history, politics, and art to provide a comprehensive understanding of global issues. Dr. Billy Friebele, the Symposium Director and Associate Professor at Loyola, noted, “The book is about how each discipline has a role to play in climate change and coming up with solutions. It’s not your typical climate change book that is full of depressing facts and figures.”
In his address, Ghosh elaborated on how climate change intensifies migration patterns worldwide, sharing his firsthand experiences from migrant camps in Italy. His personal narrative is linked to his family’s displacement from Bangladesh due to a climate event in the 1990s, which adds depth to his insights. Ghosh stated, “I started speaking to these migrants in 2017 because, unlike many journalists, I speak their languages and can offer a different perspective.”
During the address, Ghosh emphasized the critical role of technology in modern migration, particularly cell phones which serve as essential tools for safety and navigation. He remarked, “Every link in the chain of movement depends on cell phones. Their mobile devices are their compasses that guide them on their journeys.”
The symposium facilitated engaging dialogues among attendees. One participant, Ana Sofia Calderon ‘28, found personal resonance with the migration themes presented, stemming from her family’s history as immigrants. She expressed, “I was personally interested as well because all of my grandparents are immigrants… This being the foundation of why my family is in the US has always led me to be curious and passionate about people’s journeys of migration.”
Calderon also contrasted historical and contemporary migration, particularly the significant role of technology in current migration practices. She shared, “Ghosh talked a lot about the role of cell phones in migration and how they’re used as tools and serve as communication devices… It’s fascinating to me how much we’ve progressed.”
Dr. Friebele highlighted the symposium’s alignment with Loyola’s liberal arts mission, stating, “I think this event is the sort of embodiment of the liberal arts mission… we’re all reading this text and we’re all contributing to this larger discussion.”
As the event concluded, Ghosh challenged the audience to reconsider their perspectives on migration and climate change, saying, “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 experience served as a poignant reminder for all present of the urgent need for collaboration and reflection on the intersecting realities of climate change and human migration.
In summary, Amitav Ghosh’s keynote address at the Humanities Symposium greatly illuminated the intricate links between climate change and human migration. By incorporating personal narratives, technological insights, and interdisciplinary discussions, Ghosh encourages a deeper understanding of these pressing global issues. The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and the role of various disciplines in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and its impact on displaced populations.
Original Source: thegreyhound.org
