Displaced by Drought and Deshielo

This project explores how climate change drives Venezuelan displacement to Colombia, aiming to inform policy and foster community resilience through research, stakeholder engagement, and public art

This project investigates the underexplored role of climate change in Venezuela’s mass displacement crisis, the largest globally, and its impact on neighbouring Colombia, the primary host country. While political instability is often cited as the main driver, Venezuela faces severe climate impacts—glacier loss, prolonged drought, and disease resurgence—without a national mitigation plan.

Using a climate justice lens, the project explores how environmental degradation intersects with migration, livelihoods, and the possibility of return. In collaboration with Colombian NGO CODHES, researchers will conduct qualitative fieldwork and participatory public engagement, including a community mural. Outputs include a policy roundtable, academic publication, and follow-up with stakeholders to assess impact. The project aims to inform more inclusive, climate-aware migration policy and foster solidarity between displaced Venezuelans and Colombian host communities.