The Growing Concerns of Climate Refugees:
A Panel Discussion
Climate change has been threatening the lives of the world’s most indigent people and a humane system must be provided in order to welcome those forced to flee their homes. As planet Earth continues to become warmer and face rising sea levels, and as the number of climate-driven disasters rises, the challenges of climate migration must be addressed by the global community. The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, with the help of its Student Advisory committee, will be hosting a panel discussion on Climate Refugee issues and what can be done to help. The panel will consist of Barbara Seebart (NH State Refugee Coordinator), Rob Werner (Executive Director, League of Conservation Voters), and Lawrence Hamilton (UNH Professor of Sociology), who will provide information on issues related to refugees and climate change based on their extensive experience in the field. Following presentations by the speakers, there will be time for Q&A, before breaking for small group discussions on the issues discussed.
When: Wednesday, November 6th, 6 - 7:30 pm
Where: Hospitality Center Salon Rooms
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 N. River Road, Manchester, NH
About our Panelists:
Barbara Seebart, the New Hampshire State Refugee Coordinator, has over 25 years of experience working on behalf of refugees and immigrants in both administrative and direct service capacities. This work has included all aspects of resettlement and adjustment, including housing, job development, health, advocacy and education, cultural adjustment, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and more. Administrative experience is comprised of an 8-year tenure as Executive Director of a private non-profit refugee and immigrant service agency and 18 years as the NH State Refugee Coordinator.
Rob Werner is the New Hampshire State Director for the League of Conservation Voters, a national advocacy organization that works to turn environmental values into national, state, and local priorities. He formerly served as the National Field Director of Americans for Campaign Reform. A public policy analyst and advocate, Rob has organized successful advocacy and legislative campaigns for the American Heart Association, Smoke-Free NH Alliance, and the American Cancer Society. Moreover, he has extensive experience in the health care sector, working in the private, government, and non-profit areas.
Lawrence Hamilton is a professor of sociology and senior fellow at the Carsey School of Public Policy, University of New Hampshire. Over the past 25 years he has studied human-environment interactions around the circumpolar North, including research on migration from climate-stressed villages of Arctic Alaska. He is the co-author of a research paper on “Climigration? Population and climate change in Arctic Alaska”.
