The article “Health, migration, and the climate crisis: an exploratory qualitative study in an informal settlement in Santiago, Chile” — authored by Teresita Rocha-Jiménez, Loreto Watkins, Estela Blanco, Javiera Barraza, Alejandra Díaz De León, and Miguel Pérez — examines how the climate crisis impacts the lives and health of migrants living in informal settlements in Chile’s Metropolitan Region.

The study employed an exploratory qualitative design, allowing researchers to delve into the experiences and perceptions of migrant communities regarding environmental risks. In-depth interviews were conducted with migrants — primarily of Haitian and Latin American origin — residing in an informal settlement in Santiago. The analysis sought to identify both the perceived impacts of climate-related phenomena (such as heat waves, flooding, and pollution) and the coping and resilience strategies developed within this precarious context.

Findings reveal that housing insecurity, expressed in dwellings without insulation, lack of access to clean water, and absence of sewage systems, amplifies health risks in the face of the climate crisis. Additionally, the study identifies significant barriers to healthcare access, including discrimination, lack of information, and administrative obstacles, which heighten the vulnerability of these communities. Despite these challenges, the research highlights the importance of community networks and mutual support, which help residents confront environmental and health risks through resilience.

The authors conclude that the climate crisis is not only an environmental threat but also a factor that deepens pre-existing health inequalities affecting migrant populations in Chile. The study underscores the urgent need for inclusive public policies that integrate housing, health, and social inclusion, as well as the key role of local governments in strengthening community adaptation to climate change in vulnerable urban contexts.

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