Climate change is a pressing issue that is affecting millions of people around the world. In Guatemala, a country already struggling with poverty and economic instability, the effects of climate change are exacerbating the challenges faced by families like Elena’s. Elena, a mother of seven, lives in a rural farming community outside the town of Jocotán with her husband and children. Their lives are a daily struggle to make ends meet, with her husband working as a for-hire farmer and Elena taking care of their children.
The impact of climate change on Elena’s family is palpable. The land is drying up, making it difficult to yield a fruitful harvest. Prices at the market are steadily climbing, making it harder for them to afford basic necessities. Elena’s 5-year-old daughter has an undiagnosed heart issue, but the family cannot afford to travel to see a doctor. The eldest daughter had to drop out of school during the COVID-19 pandemic because they could no longer afford the costs.
The prospect of migrating to the United States is a dream for Elena and her family, but one that seems out of reach. The cost of hiring a coyote and making the journey is exorbitant, and putting up their land as collateral would be a huge risk. Many of their neighbors have taken that risk, with mixed outcomes. Migration would provide a chance for Elena’s family to have a better life, with access to better-paying jobs, healthcare, and education. However, the obstacles and risks involved make it an unrealistic option for them.
Elena represents a trapped population, one that is most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Migration could offer a way out for families like hers, enabling them to find better opportunities and send back money to support their homes and families. However, the barriers to migration, including legal restrictions and financial costs, make it a daunting prospect for many.
In the face of climate change, it is crucial to address the root causes of migration and provide support to communities like Elena’s. By investing in sustainable development, climate adaptation, and disaster preparedness, we can help vulnerable populations build resilience and create a better future for themselves and their families. The story of Elena and her family is a stark reminder of the urgent need to take action on climate change and support those most affected by its impacts. In a perfect world, Elena would have a cousin or friend in the United States who could help her navigate the challenges of migration. This person could provide valuable information on whom to call, where to stay, and how to secure a job, making her journey easier and safer. Unfortunately, many migrants like Elena lack this social capital, leaving them to face an uphill battle on their own.
The journey from Guatemala to the United States spans about 1,000 miles, presenting physical challenges such as deserts and oceans that are difficult to cross and often deadly. The United Nations has documented over 72,000 cases of migrants who died or disappeared in their attempts to reach a better life from 2014 to 2025, though the actual number is likely much higher due to the remote and hazardous nature of migration routes. As authorities tighten border security measures, migrants are forced into even more perilous paths, increasing their vulnerability to dehydration, criminal exploitation, and other dangers.
The harsh reality is that migration can be a matter of life and death for many individuals seeking a better future. The Mediterranean, known as the deadliest migration corridor globally, became even more treacherous as search-and-rescue operations were curtailed, while the U.S.-Mexico border, the world’s deadliest land crossing, pushed migrants into increasingly dangerous routes. Climate change exacerbates these risks, as rising temperatures in remote desert areas heighten the chances of dehydration, heat stroke, and exposure.
Despite these challenges, data suggest that migrating away from regions like the Dry Corridor in Guatemala can lead to greater financial opportunities. Migration has historically lifted millions of people out of poverty, with migrants moving from lower-income to higher-income countries typically experiencing significant wage increases. This economic payoff not only benefits the migrants themselves but also contributes to the resilience and development of their home communities through remittances.
Remittances, money sent back by migrants to their families and communities, play a crucial role in supporting livelihoods and building climate protections in origin countries. In Guatemala, for example, remittances often exceed earnings from all foreign exports combined, highlighting their importance in sustaining local economies. These financial contributions can make a significant impact on vulnerable communities, providing essential resources for disaster recovery and adaptation to climate-related challenges.
Ultimately, migration offers a pathway to economic advancement and improved livelihoods for individuals like Elena, as well as the potential to support the development and resilience of communities in their countries of origin. By recognizing the complex factors driving migration and the positive impacts it can have, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable migration policies that prioritize human rights and well-being. In a world where climate change is wreaking havoc on the most vulnerable communities, migration has emerged as a crucial strategy for survival and resilience. Remittances, the money sent back by migrants to their families in their home countries, play a significant role in helping people adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
One such example is Consuela, a mother in a mountainous region who used remittances from her son to build a new house away from the unstable mountain edge. This decision not only helped her avoid the risk of landslides but also provided her family with a safer and more resilient home. In Ghana, remittances are used by farmers to invest in irrigation systems and crop rotation, enhancing their ability to withstand climate-related challenges.
In coastal Mexico, remittances enable residents, particularly those in poverty, to purchase air conditioners to cope with the extreme heat during summer months. In Bangladesh, remittances often make up a significant portion of household income, highlighting their importance in supporting families in the face of climate-related disasters.
Migration, facilitated by remittances, has long been recognized as an effective poverty alleviation strategy. As climate change intensifies and threatens vulnerable communities, migration becomes not just a means of escape but also a defense mechanism. Encouraging and facilitating migration to urban areas can help individuals earn money to invest in adaptation and resilience strategies, benefiting both migrants and their communities.
Some economists argue that governments should actively incentivize migration to urban areas within their countries to boost economic growth and mitigate the impacts of climate change in rural regions. Subsidizing transportation, providing job opportunities, and offering training programs can help individuals transition to urban areas and contribute to the productivity of cities.
The book “Shelter from the Storm: How Climate Change Is Creating a New Era of Migration” by Julian Hattem explores the intersection of climate change, migration, and remittances. Scheduled for publication on January 6, 2026, this book sheds light on the crucial role that migration and remittances play in helping communities adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.
In conclusion, remittances and migration are not just about economic support for families; they are essential tools for building resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change. By recognizing the value of migration and investing in strategies that facilitate it, governments and communities can better prepare for the challenges ahead and create a more sustainable future for all. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations being introduced every day. One of the latest trends to emerge in the tech industry is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a branch of computer science that aims to create machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
One of the most exciting applications of AI is in the field of robotics. Robots powered by AI technology are being developed to perform a wide range of tasks, from manufacturing and assembly to healthcare and customer service. These robots are equipped with sensors, cameras, and other sophisticated hardware that allow them to interact with their environment and perform tasks autonomously.
One of the key benefits of AI-powered robots is their ability to work alongside humans in a collaborative manner. These robots can be programmed to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks, freeing up humans to focus on more complex and creative work. For example, in manufacturing plants, AI-powered robots can handle mundane tasks like assembly or packaging, while human workers can focus on quality control and process optimization.
In the healthcare industry, AI-powered robots are being used to assist doctors and nurses in diagnosing and treating patients. These robots can analyze medical images, monitor vital signs, and even perform simple surgical procedures with precision and accuracy. By automating routine tasks, AI-powered robots can help healthcare professionals provide better care to patients and improve efficiency in healthcare delivery.
AI-powered robots are also making a big impact in the field of customer service. Companies are using AI chatbots to interact with customers, answer questions, and provide support 24/7. These chatbots are powered by AI algorithms that allow them to understand natural language and provide personalized responses to customer inquiries. By using AI-powered robots in customer service, companies can improve response times, reduce wait times, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AI-powered robots in various industries. From agriculture and transportation to education and entertainment, the possibilities are endless. AI-powered robots have the potential to revolutionize the way we work, live, and interact with technology. The future of robotics is bright, and AI is leading the way.
