Here is a rough translation:
Migration resulting from climate change may have already
started, warned American expert John Short in Colombia today, who also confirmed
that the world is not prepared for the effects of global warming.
"Migration due to climate change has already begun. In
Bangladesh, for example, there are climate change refugees who have fled their rural
homes because they can no longer survive in such an aggressive climate," said
the expert in an interview with EFE.
Short, who received his doctorate from the UK’s University
of Bristol and is an expert on urban issues, geography, environmental issues
and globalization, said the environmental changes "will become the new
normal for everyone on the planet".
The exodus to major
cities:
The researcher provided his climate change theory as part of
a lecture presented to ICESI University in Cali, Columbia, further noting that
this "new normal" will bring about a significant exodus to urban
areas, which those who live in the most remote areas will see as an option for
survival.
"No city is prepared for the unexpected migration that
may be caused by climate change," said the expert, who noted that these
new migrants "comprise groups with economic constraints", which
complicates their adaptation to the urban environment.
Adaptation and
mitigation:
The American professor points to “adaptation” and
“mitigation” as ways of confronting climate change.
The first term refers to "how humans can ensure that
the built environment accommodates the new normal," explained Short, who
described mitigation as "actions to lessen climate change."
In order to exemplify mitigation, the expert mentioned
alternative sources of energy like wind, which is used by countries such as
Spain and Denmark.
Nevertheless, he said that "these options are being
overshadowed by the current decline in oil prices."
He also referred to “green roofs”, referring to vegetation
that is planted on facilities in order to reduce ozone emissions.
Regarding adaptation, Short explained that it is a more
complicated process, given that the "new normal" is different in
every part of the world and demands more resources.
"The problem is that we don’t know exactly what the
change will be in different parts of the world," he said. EFE
