From June 22nd to November 22nd 2013, ICCG hosts a selection of photographs from the series Environmental migrants: the last illusion a broject by Alessandro Grassani. “Environmental migrants: the last illusion” is a long-term project including three chapters: Ulan Bator – Mongolia, Dhaka – Bangladesh and Nairobi – Kenya (to be realized in September/October 2013).

The choice of these three settings follows the intention to depict the whole range of climate changes and natural hazards which are affecting social and cultural lives in different geographical areas in order to explain the environmental migration process: from the extreme cold of Mongolia to the desertification process in the African continent, passing through river floods, cyclones and see level rise in Bangladesh. Three different contexts, but one narrative pattern: in every chapter I compare the stories of people who struggled against environmental adversities in the most affected areas with the poor living conditions in the main slums of the capital cities, where environmental migrants try to increase their chances of a wealthy future.

Chapter I. In 2010, during one of the harshest winters, more than 8 million sheep, cows, yaks and camels died in Mongolia. More than 20,000 herdsmen had no other choice but to migrate towards the Capital, Ulan Bator, which has doubled its population in the last 20 years. In Ulaan Baator, I told the stories of three families recently resettled in Gher district – the main slum of the city - from the most isolated regions of Mongolia after losing their herds and livelihoods because of hard winters. In Arkhangai province, I’ve spent several days with the Tsamba’s, a family who fled from severe winter conditions, responsible for the death of half the family's once 2.000 strong herd over the past three winters.

Chapter II. Bangladesh is one of the countries which is most seriously affected by climate change. Dhaka, its capital, has a population of 14 million which is expected to increase to 50 million by 2050. Dhaka has over 300,000 newcomers entering the city each year. Many of them are environmental migrants.

Chapter III (to be realized September/October 2013). Kenya’s pastoral population has been among the hardest hit by climate change in Africa. Droughts and wars between different pastoral groups seeking pasture and water for their animals are pushing many Kenyans dreaming of a better future towards Nairobi.