We coin the phenomenon CLIMIGRATION by blending of the word climate and migration. This phenomenon is defined as the forced and permanent migration of communities because of severe climate change and is likely to become a part of the life of future generations.

Kivalina, a remote Alaskan village, could disappear in a few years because of global warming and coastal erosion. It is most likely to be swallowed by the sea. We would like to share Suzane’s experience living in Kivalina for 14 years since her birth.  

In our village, life is frugal and challenging. We are resisting sudden floods with sandbags and rocks barricades. I have seen the sea coming nearer every year and now it is almost touching our school. There is always a scarcity of drinking water. Wild animals like Polar bears visit village outskirts in search of food, in the absence of seals, making the village unsafe. Most of my friends have left Kivalina due to the unpredictable conditions. The sea ice is melting earlier in every season. I have a deep attachment with my village and I really feel scared when we think of leaving Kivalina and become refugees due to climate change.

If we don’t take drastic action now, we won’t have the planet in the future period. Let’s become better educated and prepared to effectively deal with our ever-changing planet.