April Humble; Researcher on Climate Change, Migration and Border Security, talks below about an upcoming event on climate change and migration that the Partnership are co-hosting with Bristol Refugee Rights, Bristol City of Sanctuary and Bristol City Council.

On 10 December, it is the United Nations Human Rights Day and this year is the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stands up for equality, justice and human dignity. Here in Bristol we will mark the occasion with ‘The Climate and Our Community’; a pioneering event that invites community members from across Bristol to shape the conversation on climate change and climate change and migration.

Climate change will affect all our lives and the slower we act on it, the more devastating the impacts will be. In order to act, with unity not fear, we must fully understand the issues. This event will create space for learning, discussion and sharing for all community members and leaders from across Bristol’s wards and diverse demographics.

The need

Everywhere is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and Bristol is no different. We are part of a global system, where our food, our trade, our economics and our livelihoods are interlinked with the rest of the world. In the UK, extreme weather has begun to affect us more and more, like the 2018 drought or the devastating floods in Yorkshire this year. Some scientists are even questioning if we will be able to grow food in the south of England as we see mean temperatures rise.

In most situations, it will be the poorest communities that will be hit first.

As temperatures rise and the world around us changes, we will see more people being forced to move. In fact, people are already migrating across the world due to climate change, as erratic weather affects people’s ability to grow food, make a living and, in some cases, as people’s homes become completely uninhabitable.

As our British coasts are changed due to sea-level rise and as climate change begins to shape our own economic, social and political landscape, people will also have to be adaptable in the UK. We cannot change the past, but we can choose how we respond to this changing world. The transition we will see because of climate change has great potential to enhance Bristol and our larger society. We have the choice to be proactive instead of reactive.

The event

‘The Climate & Our Community’ is taking place from 9am – 1pm on 10 December 2019 at City Hall in Bristol. Register your place to:

• hear from experts on climate change and climate change and migration;
• hear first-hand experiences from people who have lived through extreme weather events and migrated from places that are seeing the impact of climate change;
• have space to discuss what worries you about climate change and reflect as communities;
• consider what you can do to help and what messages you would like to take home to your community.

We cannot do this without you. This is our Bristol, and this is a defining point in history. Let’s come together to imagine how we can shape these critical issues to create a safer city and future for all.

Register your place here.