Studium Generale: Climate Change, Conflict, and Migration

Myths, Stories and Reality

With Joram Tarusarira, Nina Hansen and Klaus Hubacek

Climate change has already had an enormous effect on our planet. Heavy rainfall, floods, storms, and fires have forced millions to leave their homes and livelihoods, while those who manage to stay in place have discovered that ecological instability has made their traditional ways of life untenable. How does climate insecurity lead to conflict and displacement? When do people ultimately decide to migrate, and where do they go? What could help them to keep on going despite all challenges? And is there an ‘ideal’ strategy for accommodating the displaced?

During this evening, social scientist Joram Tarusarira will analyse how a value-based approach is crucial in addressing climate security risks such as conflict, displacement, and forced migration. Social and cultural psychologist Nina Hansen will share insights into where some people on the move in Africa end up, and which additional challenges they often face. She will discuss what may give people energy to keep on going and how the position of women could be strengthened. Ecological economist Klaus Hubacek will explain the so-called carbon inequality and how this has an enormous impact on the planet, and especially on people who are least responsible for the climate crisis.

Joram Tarusarira is Assistant Professor of Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding, in the Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society at the University of Groningen. His research interests, in which he has published journal articles and book chapters, include the role of religion in conflict and its transformation, religious non-conformism and cultural dynamics, and conflicts induced by climate change in the context of fragility and migration.

Nina Hansen is Professor of the Social Psychology of Cultural Change at the University of Groningen. Her research centres on the theme of the social psychology of cultural development. She studies psychological, social, and cultural change that is caused by modernization in the Global South as well as in the context of migration. 

Klaus Hubacek is Professor in Science, Technology and Society at the University of Groningen. His research focus is on conceptualising and modelling the interactions between human and environmental systems. He has published extensively on topics such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, land use change and governance. 

Meriam Tuinhof will host the evening.

More information on the Studium Generale website.