On October 23, Migration Matters hosted a launch event celebrating the new podcast series “Voices on the Move”. It is the first podcast series that Migration Matters has produced, and explores questions at the intersection between climate change and migration, with stories primarily from the global south, where climate induced migration is already occurring. The 7-part podcast series features stories from climate displacees, migrants, and community organizers, as well as insights from researchers and experts.
Bernadette Klausberger presenting the podcast episodes at the launch
The launch event was held at Il Kino, a theater in Berlin, and featured a collection of academics, local activists, content creators, writers, and more. The attendees gathered in the theater to listen to a selection of snippets from some of the podcast’s first episodes, including a story from someone who lost their home in the 2021 Canadian Wildfires, and a woman in Afghanistan whose livelihood has been greatly impacted by droughts during the past years. The presentation by Sophia Burton (podcast host) and Bernadette Klausberger (podcast producer) also provided insights on the making of the podcast, its goals and intended impact.
Professor Yvonne Su speaking at the podcast launch
Professor Yvonne Su from York University (Toronto), spoke at the event about the challenges of understanding migration as a multi-causal phenomenon, also in the light of climate change. Some of the questions posed and discussed this evening surrounded:
- Why is it so difficult to educate people geographically removed from climate / environmental effects today, on the fact that they may be exposed to these issues more directly in the future?
- How best to inform people in the global north about climate-induced migration, whether numbers or specific stories are the more effective vehicles
- The correct definition and use of certain terms, specifically the distinction between mobility and migration and so called “climate refugees” or “evacuees”
After listening to the snippets, participants gathered amongst themselves to have further conversations on climate change and migration at large.
The audience at the podcast launch in Berlin
A huge thank you to our team here at Migration Matters, Professor Yvonne Su, our photographer Allan Whyte (@alalallan.why), and to our host Il Kino, who all made this event possible.
The Voices on the Moves series is available online: all 7 episodes can be found on all major podcast platforms.