Bridging the Gap: Empowering the Youth to Address the Connections between Climate Change, Migration, Health and Disaster Risk Reduction

Youth as the Vanguard of Change

This blog explores the complex connection between youth, migration, the environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction. It is a dynamic tapestry that deeply affects not just our communities but also our health and well-being.  Ghanaian youth are more than simply the future; we are today's trailblazers, with an inexhaustible desire to shape our destiny and protect our environment. Young people from Accra to Kumasi are speaking out against the climate issue. We, the youth, are making our voices heard, pushing for sustainable policies, raising awareness and joining the Global Climate Strikes. This drive resonates with our cultural ethos of communal living, where unity and shared responsibility shape our interactions with each other and our environment.

Platforms that magnify young voices and enable their participation in decision-making are necessary for them to reach their full potential. International agreements like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's Youth Constituency and the focus of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration on youth engagement are steps in the right direction. These frameworks recognize the significance of youth involvement in shaping climate-migration related policies.

Climate Change and Migration: A Complex Nexus

In the heart of West Africa, Ghana is no stranger to the impact of climate change. Our farmers grapple with erratic rainfall patterns that disrupt crop cycles, and our coastal communities like Keta face the menace of rising sea levels. This environmental stress intertwines with migration in a profound manner. As the climate shifts, some of our compatriots are forced to leave their ancestral lands in search of better opportunities and safety. The journey, however, is fraught with uncertainties and risks. Our youth, however, embark on it regardless.

Migration frequently involves young people motivated by a desire for a better life. However, many end up migrating to overcrowded urban areas, where they face challenges such as unemployment, poor housing, and limited access to essential services. Accra, our capital city, has been hit the hardest. This is more than just a geographical shift; it is a transformation that affects both physical and emotional health . These challenges are particularly stark for our youth, who battle with the dual stressors of adapting to a new environment and the consequences of a changing climate.

Health Implications: A Call to Action

As a public health physician, I cannot overstate the importance of the link between climate change, migration, and health. The shifting climate exacerbates existing health hazards while also introducing new ones. Heatwaves are becoming more common, which can cause heat-related illnesses and aggravate cardiovascular disorders. This is especially noticeable in Ghana's hot northern areas. Drought-related water scarcity can exacerbate waterborne infections, while extreme weather events can move people and disrupt access to healthcare. In July 2021, in the rainy season of Ghana, heavy downpour resulted in a major flood which cutoff about 50 communities in the Sunyani West District. These communities were unable to access healthcare for the said duration. In addition to the environmental degradation caused by the floods, the slow receding waters were perfect breeding places for mosquitoes, thus aggravating malaria diseases to the already vulnerable communities. These impacts disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including youth, migrants and those who fall within both of these categories. 

The toll on mental health is also severe. Migration-related turmoil, along with the loss of familiar landscapes owing to climate change, can provoke anxiety, depression, and trauma. The experience of being uprooted from one's home and the uncertainty about one's future might have a negative impact on our youth's mental health. It is critical that we provide safe spaces and services that address these issues head on.

Equipping Youth for Resilience

Amidst these challenges, I have witnessed the resilience and resourcefulness of our youth in Ghana. They are eager for solutions and have the potential to be agents of change in building resilience against climate change and its consequences. Our educational institutions can play a pivotal role by integrating climate education and disaster preparedness into curricula. This empowers young minds with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape.

But education is not limited to classrooms alone. Community-led initiatives that focus on capacity-building, vocational training, and mentorship can equip youth with practical skills to adapt to new environments and contribute to sustainable development. These initiatives bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern skills, fostering an integrated approach to resilience.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Youth Empowerment

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies are pivotal in building resilience against the adverse impacts of climate-related disasters. Engaging youth in DRR not only leverages their innovative thinking but also ensures a more sustainable and inclusive future. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction underscores the importance of involving youth in disaster risk management.

Educational institutions play a crucial role in equipping youth with the knowledge and skills required for effective DRR. Integrating climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness into curricula empowers young learners to become advocates for risk reduction within their communities. Additionally, youth-led organizations focusing on DRR, such as the Global Youth Coalition for Disaster Risk Reduction, facilitate peer-to-peer learning and the exchange of best practices.

Building Bridges for Collaborative Action

Tackling the complex web of climate change, migration, environment, disaster risk management and their health effects demand collaboration on a global scale. In Ghana, we have seen the power of partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. These collaborations lead to innovative solutions that address the unique challenges we face.

Global platforms and initiatives that connect youth across borders can foster the exchange of ideas and best practices. They create spaces for dialogue on shared experiences and solutions, transcending geographical boundaries. By amplifying the voices of our youth, we empower them to lead from the frontlines of climate action.

As I reflect on my journey as a young public health physician advocating for climate action in Ghana, I am filled with hope. The youth are our greatest asset in this fight against climate change and its intricate intersections. It is our responsibility to provide them with the tools, resources, and platforms they need to create lasting change. Let us work together to nurture a future where our youth thrive, our environment flourishes, and the bond between our communities grows stronger in the face of adversity.

About the author:

Kwabena Obiri-Yeboah is from Ada in Ghana, a town which has been gravely affected by coastal erosion. He is a migration health physician with IOM-Ghana. He has always had a great passion for environmental sustainability and environmental justice. For this reason, he pursued a master’s degree in occupational health, safety and environmental management after his medical degree. Working with migrants, also nurtured his interest in health advocacy for vulnerable people including refugees, women and children. He hopes to make positive impact in the world by advocating for the use of renewable energy and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

This article is part of the IOM Blog Series: Youth Voices on Migration, Environment and Climate Change

Banner photo: © IOM Ghana/David Darko