/ Modified apr 12, 2019 4:30 p.m.

How Climate Change Factors Into Migration From Central America

A discussion with author Todd Miller.

Many immigrants from Central America have said they are fleeing economic hardships. In countries like Guatemala, agricultural woes have led to food scarcity and prompted questions about the role of climate change in immigration patterns. Arizona 360 learned more about this concept from Todd Miller, a Tucson-based author who covered the issue in his 2017 book, Storming the Wall: Climate Change, Migration and Homeland Security.

Climate researchers have tracked increased droughts in Central America for the past decade, according to Miller.

"They've been seeing droughts increasing in frequency and intensity throughout various places in Central America," Miller said. "What happens then is rains become much less reliable."

Miller said climate-related issues exacerbate other hardships migrants may be experiencing, such as extreme poverty.

Arizona 360
Arizona 360 airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on PBS 6 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 PLUS. See more from Arizona 360.
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