The Highlands of Guatemala’s Climate Struggles
In The Highlands of Guatemala’s Climate Struggles, host Simon Reeve is in the Highlands of Guatemala, where climate change, failing crops, and severe water shortages are making life incredibly hard for farmers and families. Simon meets Joanna, a nutritionist who explains how 10% of the population might try to migrate to the United States in the next decade, risking their lives to escape impossible conditions and revealing the harsh realities of survival in these remote villages. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
Lesson Express
Q: What are the potential risks and challenges faced by Guatemalans who choose to migrate to the U.S. in search of better living conditions?
A: Migrants risk dangerous and life-threatening journeys, including crossing harsh terrains and dealing with smugglers or authorities. If they stay, they face hunger and poverty due to the lack of resources, creating a situation where survival is a challenge regardless of the choice they make.
Q: What does the increasing migration of Guatemalans reveal about the broader effects of environmental and economic challenges in the region?
A: Increased migration highlights how interconnected environmental issues and poverty are, showing that lack of access to basic resources like food and water can force entire populations to move. It also points to systemic problems, such as economic inequality and inadequate infrastructure to support affected communities.
Q: How does the role of women in these remote Guatemalan villages shift when the men leave to find work, and what does this reveal about gender roles in times of crisis?
A: When men leave, women take on additional responsibilities, including securing water and managing households, which demonstrates their resilience and adaptability. It also reveals the unequal burden placed on women during crises, as they must shoulder the survival of their families with limited resources.
More Like This
In How Corn Shapes Life in Guatemala, host Simon Reeve travels to Guatemala to meet corn farmers and explore how this crop supports millions of people. As the population has grown, much of the land has been cleared, leading to deforestation. Simon uncovers how corn was shaped over generations to become a staple food and crucial part of Guatemala’s economy and culture. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
In How Corn Shapes Life in Guatemala, host Simon Reeve travels to Guatemala to meet corn farmers and explore how this crop supports millions of people. As the population has grown, much of the land has been cleared, leading to deforestation. Simon uncovers how corn was shaped over generations to become a staple food and crucial part of Guatemala’s economy and culture. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.