A set of institutions, including the CR2 of the University of Chile, presented the results of a recent study on climatic mobility that highlights how climate change has become a human displacement engine in our country.
The investigation “Dynamics, costs and impacts of climatic mobility in Chile: strategic recommendations to guide the formulation of public policies” was sent by the Ministry of the Environment, implemented by the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture in Chile (FAO Chile), funded by NDC Partnership and carried out by the CR2.
The objectives of the research were to describe and understand the phenomenon of climatic migrations within the country after the occurrence of extreme events such as forest droughts and fires.
The pilot study was framed in the South Central Macrozone, understanding the O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble and Biobío regions. The work included surveys at more than 400 homes, workshops with the participation of public, private and community actors, dozens of in -depth interviews and economic analysis.
Results
Within the results, it was evidenced that in the study area 11.2 % of the households in the rural area lost their subsistence means after the megaitnd of 2017, an event that was intensified due to climatic variables such as drought and increased temperature.
Gabriela Azócar, professor at the Department of Social Work at the University of Chile and CR2 researcher, commented that affected homes tend to absorb adaptation costs with their own resources.
“This increases the escape of young people towards urban centers due to lack of opportunities, the loss of livelihoods, and an accelerated aging of rural communities,” said the specialist, who also led the investigation.
Rupture of family ties
The study also shows ruptures of family ties, loss of neighborhood networks and isolation of older people.
“For example, new emergency housing after fires are small, which makes family reunion difficult and aggravates emotional distancing. Communities expressed that community disorganization is generated,” explains Azócar.
In figures, 34 % of people who had to migrate to other areas distanced themselves from their friends, while 24 % lost contact with their relatives.
More expenses
This mobility also increased expenses for those affected.
38% of the households studied in which there was mobility of at least one of its members (rural and urban) had higher expenses in health, education and housing, and 32% decreased their income, among other economic impacts.
In addition, given the loss of housing, jobs and subsistence means, household indebtedness increased.
Impact on women
One of the relevant impacts are the so -called “invisible charges” that women cope with mobility processes.
“Women assume multiple roles that are not institutionally recognized or covered by support networks. These tasks become a silent emotional and physical burden,” says Azócar. These charges have to do with the role of heads of household, caregivers, and also in community leadership and water management.
The investigation detected that the people of the analyzed territories experience stress, anxiety, constant fear of new events, or symptoms of trauma for the loss of their homes, livelihoods or experiences lived. Indeed, 63 % of people said they were affected their mental health after an emergency.
“There are critical situations of older people who were alone, and people with emotional sequelae for having faced emergencies without later preparation or support,” says Azócar.
Recommendations for public policy
The study delivers public policy recommendations regarding climatic mobility. In that sense, he points out that it is essential that it be recognized as a complex phenomenon that requires comprehensive approaches. Territorial planning must incorporate mobility and immobility scenarios, while monitoring systems are key to anticipating and responding to future displacements.
On the other hand, robust evidence must be generated that allows to design effective and territorially sensitive interventions that respond to the specific needs of the affected communities.
“It is crucial to integrate voluntary climatic mobility and immobilities in the design of interventions, recognizing the diversity of situations and needs. The approach must be preventive and not only reactive, with sustainable financing for long -term actions,” says Azócar.
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