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Computer climate models have predicted the gradual increase of Earth’s surface temperature, and the projected “global warming” is often blamed on human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. It has been associated with rising temperatures, flooding, droughts, and the rise of sea levels. These disasters have ravaged entire na- tions. A reporter for the Environmental Justice Foundation claims that the number of so-called environmental refugees will rise to 150 million by 2050, although some say it could top 200 million. Economic Reasons People also flee for economic reasons. When people feel that they cannot better themselves economically in their homeland, they often travel to other nations in search of a better life. They are called migrants or immigrants, as opposed to refu- gees who must leave to avoid immediate danger to themselves or their families.

Migrant farm workers picking strawberries in central California’s Salinas Valley in 2015.

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MIGRATION AND REFUGEES