The climate crisis is destabilizing communities. I've experienced it while living in New Orleans and having to flee several hurricanes over the years. Many of my friends were severely affected by Hurricane Katrina. Other friends have had to deal with wildfires in their communities.
Disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and drought pushed over 50 million people to migrate in the world last year alone. Over 1 billion climate migrants are expected by 2050. Many take informal, dangerous jobs like agricultural work, where severe heat makes farmworkers 35 times more likely to die on the job than other workers. Others become resilience workers, rebuilding communities after disasters, facing mold, toxic chemicals, vermin, unsafe housing, and exploitation.
I am proud to lead Migrant Clinicians Network. MCN works in vulnerable regions to foster inclusive community mobilization to prepare for and respond to climate-fueled disasters, with the most vulnerable community members in mind. We offer essential health and safety training to migrant workers displaced by climate change, and partnering with communities to develop linguistically and culturally just communication strategies and approaches that ensure continuity of healthcare services.
Our inclusive approach to disaster management helps communities ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind when disaster strikes. Communities are stronger, more resilient, and safer; workers are empowered to protect their health.
Please consider donating before a disaster strikes.
