Climate change, migration, and health: perspectives from Latin America and the Caribbean
Carolina Batista, Michael Knipper, Ana Cristina Sedas, Sofia Virginia Farante, Daniel Wainstock, Diego B Borjas-Cavero, Karol Rojas, Juan Carlos Arteaga España, Marisol Yglesias-González
Abstract
This article delves into the complex relationship between climate change, migration patterns, and health outcomes in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). While the severe impact of climate change on health in LAC is widely acknowledged, the article sheds light on the often-overlooked multiple effects on migration and the well-being of migrants. These impacts encompass poverty, food and water insecurity, and adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Our paper, guided by a rights-based framework, aims to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities that can contribute to enhanced knowledge and generate questions to support future research. By emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts across sectors, including public and private entities, civil society, and academic institutions, we aim to address the nuanced intersections of climate change, migration, and health impacts in the region. This approach prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable, including migrants, establishing a framework for mitigation and adaptation that ensures equitable outcomes.