Amitav Ghosh delivered a keynote address at the Humanities Symposium, discussing the intersection of climate change and migration, based on his book “The Great Derangement.” He emphasized the role of various disciplines in addressing climate issues and highlighted the importance of technology, particularly cell phones, for migrants. The event prompted discussions about personal and historical migration experiences, aligning with Loyola’s liberal arts mission for interdisciplinary dialogue and action.
Amitav Ghosh, the acclaimed author and environmental advocate, delivered a compelling keynote address at the Humanities Symposium on March 13, titled, “The Great Uprooting: Migration and Movement in the Age of Climate Change.” His lecture, based on his groundbreaking non-fiction book, “The Great Derangement,” focused on the intricate relationship between climate change and human migration, urging the audience to reflect on the dire implications of the climate crisis on displaced populations.
Ghosh’s book adopts an interdisciplinary approach, analyzing the climate crisis through various lenses such as history, politics, and the arts. He remarked on the importance of every discipline in combating climate change, stating, “The book is about how each discipline has a role to play in climate change and coming up with solutions.” Dr. Billy Friebele, Humanities Symposium Director at Loyola, affirmed that Ghosh’s work transcends typical climate literature by emphasizing individual accountability in addressing climate issues.
The author provided personal insights into how climate change has intensified global migration patterns. Drawing from his experiences visiting migrant camps in Italy, Ghosh articulated the struggles of individuals forced to flee their homes due to environmental or political crises. He shared, “My own family was displaced from Bangladesh from a climate event in the 1990s,” highlighting his deep connection to the subject matter and his ability to communicate with migrants effectively.
Ghosh also explored the pivotal role technology plays in contemporary migration. He pointed out that cell phones are essential for migrants, serving as tools for safety, navigation, and communication during treacherous journeys. “Every link in the chain of movement depends on cell phones. Their mobile devices are their compasses that guide them on their journeys,” he stated, underscoring technology’s vital influence.
The symposium fostered dynamic discussions among participants, including students like Ana Sofia Calderon ’28, who expressed a personal interest in migration due to her family’s history. She remarked, “I was personally interested as well because all of my grandparents are immigrants,” linking her family’s past to contemporary migration stories and the influence of technology.
Calderon noted how Ghosh’s discussion on cell phones as vital tools reflects the significant evolution in migration narratives. “It’s fascinating to me how much we’ve progressed,” she added, illustrating the contrast with historical migration experiences.
Dr. Friebele emphasized the value of the symposium as a manifestation of Loyola’s liberal arts commitment, showcasing a blend of diverse academic perspectives. “It’s amazing to sit in that room and hear the perspective of a theology student and then hear the perspectives of a writing student,” he stated, highlighting the collective contribution to addressing global dilemmas.
In concluding his address, Ghosh presented a powerful challenge to the audience: “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.” His remarks served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration in confronting the interlinked crises of climate change and human migration.
In conclusion, Amitav Ghosh’s keynote at the Humanities Symposium emphasized the vital connections between climate change and migration, urging individuals across disciplines to engage with these pressing issues. Through personal narratives and a discussion on technology’s role, he illuminated the complexities of modern migration. The event fostered collaborative discourse, reflecting Loyola’s commitment to liberal arts and the necessity for collective action in addressing global challenges.
Original Source: thegreyhound.org
