In our podcast "Strom Aufwärts" we want to look beyond the energy transition and deal with a different aspect of the climate crisis and the socio-ecological transformation in each episode. On the complex relationship between climate and migration, Melanie Alberts (communications and podcast moderator at Grüner Strom Label e.V.) interviewed in the 3rd episode migration researcher and sociologist Dr. Benjamin Schraven from the German Development Institute (DIE) in Bonn. Dr. Schraven conducts research on the relationship between migration and development (policy), environmental change and migration, migration governance, migration and rural development, and adaptation to climate change.
Among other things, Dr. Schraven clarifies what the biggest existing misconceptions about the connection between climate and migration are that persist. Human mobility is - contrary to the prevailing negative public image - a completely normal phenomenon in a globalized world economy. Migration is triggered by climate change especially in insidious processes, for example by rising sea levels and flood events, salinization of soils and groundwater, or impeded (agricultural) economic production. Therefore, low-income groups are particularly affected by the climate crisis and vulnerable to it.
In order to promote positive migration stories, the association strives to Training instead of deportation e.V. in Bonn, to give refugees the chance of a decent life and income. The association supports young people between the ages of 14 and 27 by providing tutoring, job application advice and help with residence status. Awais (21, Pakistan) gave us his perspective on the climate crisis and energy transition for the podcast.
On our own behalf, we are also using the podcast to promote our event format Energiewendeforum Digital 2021. The first thematic forum on the topic of sector coupling and system integration will take place on June 10, and we have invited exciting guests to attend. With short presentations and subsequent discussions in break-out sessions, we hope for a lively event.
