Hum Ecology & Environment
Select an event that occurred due to environment-triggered human migration in the past decade. Environmental triggers include natural disasters such as tsunamis, floods, famines, and pandemics or human-created emergencies such as wars, genocides, and religious persecutions. Research literature on it and answer the following prompts using the template. Must use at least 2-3 scholarly resources on the incident.
• Summarize the information in the reading. (One paragraph of 5-6 sentences)
• Identify whether the environmental migration is due to a natural disaster or human-made emergency, and if it is intranational or international. (1-2 sentences)
• In the example, which social factors intersected and impacted the environmental migration? (Two paragraphs, each 5-6 sentences)
• Discuss 2-3 physical and mental health impacts of environmental migration on people. Next, how do you view your role as a healthcare professional in advocating for people displaced by an environmental migration? (Two paragraphs of 5-6 sentences each)
Sample Solution
Summary:
The Rohingya crisis, a complex humanitarian emergency unfolding since 2017 in Myanmar, exemplifies the devastating consequences of environmental and human-made factors intertwining to trigger mass displacement. Driven by a combination of climate change-induced resource scarcity, systematic ethnic persecution by the Burmese military, and denial of citizenship rights, over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled their homes in Myanmar, seeking refuge in neighboring Bangladesh. This forced migration, characterized by extreme violence and hardship, has had profound physical and mental health consequences on the displaced population.
Full Answer Section
Nature of the Migration: The Rohingya crisis is primarily driven by human-made emergencies, namely state-sanctioned persecution and violence against the Rohingya minority. However, environmental factors exacerbate the situation. Climate change-induced drought and land degradation have contributed to resource scarcity and heightened competition, fueling pre-existing ethnic tensions. Therefore, the Rohingya crisis can be categorized as an intranational environmental migration with significant human-made factors playing a major role. Intersecting Social Factors:- Ethnicity and Religious Discrimination: The Rohingya have long faced systemic discrimination and marginalization in Myanmar, denied citizenship rights and subjected to state-sanctioned violence and oppressive policies. This pre-existing ethnic tension, further fueled by religious differences, provided fertile ground for the escalation of violence and displacement in 2017.
- Climate Change and Resource Scarcity: Myanmar's Rakhine state, the homeland of the Rohingya, has been severely impacted by climate change. Droughts, floods, and soil erosion have led to declining agricultural productivity and resource scarcity, exacerbating pre-existing social inequalities and tensions between the Rohingya and the Burmese majority.
- Physical Health: The Rohingya displacement has been marked by violence, disease, and malnutrition. The cramped and unsanitary conditions of refugee camps in Bangladesh have increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, while inadequate access to healthcare further worsens health outcomes. Many refugees suffer from injuries sustained during the escape from Myanmar and lack proper medical attention.
- Mental Health: The trauma of displacement, coupled with ongoing uncertainty about their future, has taken a significant toll on the mental health of the Rohingya population. High rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent among refugees, particularly children and women who witnessed violence and loss.
- Provide Direct Medical Assistance: By offering primary healthcare services, mental health support, and trauma-informed care in refugee camps, we can address the immediate physical and mental health needs of displaced individuals.
- Raise Awareness and Advocate for Policy Change: By documenting the health impacts of environmental migration and sharing our findings with policymakers, we can advocate for solutions that address the root causes of displacement and promote sustainable environmental and social justice practices.
- Promote Public Understanding and Combat Misinformation: We can educate communities about the complexities of environmental migration and challenge discriminatory narratives that often surround displaced populations.