Canadian Climate Refugees? Fire and Floods in Our Own Backyard

A guest lecture by Dr Yvonne Su, Assistant Professor in Equity Studies, York University.

Abstract:

Climate migration is a global mobility trend that has been inaccurately portrayed as the Global South “invading” the Global North. Media scaremongering has reported on a great climate migration headed “north” and described an upcoming century of mass migration of millions. Yet, the established literature on climate migration shows that most people displaced by climate change will be internally displaced inside countries. Indeed, internal climate migration is already taking place in Canada with recurrent wildfires and floods displacing many communities. While some are forced to move either permanently or temporarily, others choose to move to safer areas to mitigate future hazard risks. This seminar discusses the various factors influencing climate-induced displacement in Canada and reflects on the consequences of colonialism by highlighting how climate change, and by extension, climate displacement, disproportionally impacts indigenous communities. Finally, it discusses some solutions and recommendations, including the need for more research on the subject and proactive measures.