Human Migration and Climate Change: A Traumatic Experience

Impacts Of Climate Change On Human Populations

Climate change and its associated phenomena have ushered in a host of negative impacts on human populations, encompassing various aspects of daily life and well being. Rising global temperatures contribute to more frequent and severe heatwaves, posing direct threats to human health, with an increased risk of heat related illnesses and mortality (Hitz and Smith 2004). Changes in precipitation patterns lead to more intense and prolonged droughts, impacting water availability for agriculture and communities, particularly in arid regions (Trenberth, 2001). Conversely, heavy rainfall and flooding events disrupt lives, causing displacement, damaging infrastructure, and fostering the spread of waterborne diseases . The rise in sea levels, a consequence of melting ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater, poses a substantial threat to coastal communities, resulting in the loss of homes, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Climate change induced shifts in ecosystems affect food security, as alterations in growing conditions and the spread of pests jeopardize agricultural productivity. Additionally, the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, exacerbate the risks of property damage, loss of life, and economic instability. Vulnerable populations, including those in low lying coastal areas and impoverished communities, bear a disproportionate burden of these negative impacts, underscoring the urgency of global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change in order to safeguard human wellbeing (Dai et al., 2018).