Climate Change and Migration: Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi, a Case Study

• In Event: Climate Refugees in Latin America

Abstract

Labor migration from developing to developed countries is largely related to economic factors that are presented in both recipient and sending countries. However, climate change has emerged or became evident as an extremely important phenomenon.

In order to analyze the relationship between climate change and migration, we study the states of San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas in Mexico. Our universe is their rural sectors. We found that the poorest people are the most dependent on natural resources and are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks. Therefore, their strategy to address climate change is migration. In this regard, the State must not only fight poverty but has to contribute to the resilience to climate change. One of these alternatives could be to stimulate green jobs that increase the levels of adaptation in the poorest regions of the country. These jobs are, at the same time, a way to address unemployment and poverty. This would contribute to community-based adaptation as a human right.

Authors

• Ana M Aragones Castañer, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

• Uberto Salgado Nieto, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico