Addressing the Converging Risks of Climate, Insecurity, and Migration in Central America
This event will be a live-streamed discussion with in-person participants.
Overview
Latin America and the Caribbean is the second most disaster-prone region in the world. In the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras the effects of extreme weather and changing climate conditions are further compounded by a confluence of violence and migration challenges. Insecurity in the region is fueled by extreme rates of gang violence and extortion, failing democratic governance and ineffective institutions, pervasive corruption, and gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality. More recently, insecurity has also been propelled by the expansion of illicit networks and the limited capacity of cities to constructively absorb a growing number of migrants.
In the face of these complex dynamics, a focus on prevention and investments that address commonly overlooked factors–like the challenges facing women and girls in the region–can yield exponential resilience outcomes. Join us on April 28th to hear from a panel of experts on how we can better support decision-makers, civil society, and diverse communities of practice to work together to strengthen resilience in the region.
For more information, read:
- ECSP's latest report "Addressing Climate Security Risks in Central America"
- Population Institute's 2022 report, "Invisible Threads: Addressing the Root Causes of Migration from Guatemala by Investing in Women and Girls"
Speakers

Nahuel Arenas-García

Aracely Martínez Rodas

Martin McLaughlin

Roger Pulwarty

Ángel del Valle
Hosted By
Environmental Change and Security Program
The Environmental Change and Security Program (ECSP) explores the connections between environmental change, health, and population dynamics and their links to conflict, human insecurity, and foreign policy. Read more
Latin American Program
The Wilson Center’s prestigious Latin American Program provides non-partisan expertise to a broad community of decision makers in the United States and Latin America on critical policy issues facing the Hemisphere. The Program provides insightful and actionable research for policymakers, private sector leaders, journalists, and public intellectuals in the United States and Latin America. To bridge the gap between scholarship and policy action, it fosters new inquiry, sponsors high-level public and private meetings among multiple stakeholders, and explores policy options to improve outcomes for citizens throughout the Americas. Drawing on the Wilson Center’s strength as the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum, the Program serves as a trusted source of analysis and a vital point of contact between the worlds of scholarship and action. Read more
Maternal Health Initiative
Life and health are the most basic human rights, yet disparities between and within countries continue to grow. No single solution or institution can address the variety of health concerns the world faces. By leveraging, building on, and coordinating the Wilson Center’s strong regional and cross-cutting programming, the Maternal Health Initiative (MHI) promotes dialogue and understanding among practitioners, scholars, community leaders, and policymakers. Read more
Mexico Institute
The Mexico Institute seeks to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options for enhancing the bilateral relationship. A binational Advisory Board, chaired by Luis Téllez and Earl Anthony Wayne, oversees the work of the Mexico Institute. Read more
Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative
The Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative (RAFDI) provides evidence-based analyses that translate research findings into practice and policy impact. Established in 2022 as a response to an ever-increasing number of people forcibly displaced from their homes by protracted conflicts and persecution, RAFDI aims to expand the space for new perspectives, constructive dialogue and sustainable solutions to inform policies that will improve the future for the displaced people. Read more
Thank you for your interest in this event. Please send any feedback or questions to our Events staff.