You’ve heard about refugees fleeing because of political persecution and war, but how about from damage to the environment?  Well, believe it or not, there is growing concern about what are now being called environmental refugees – and this problem is starting to draw the attention of many social scientists.   Of concern are nations like Haiti and Mexico, where many farmers are deciding to pack up and leave because their fertile land is being washed into the sea.  Other places, such as Pakistan and Yemen, are witnessing their water tables drop dramatically, while even nations such as Iran and Nigeria are experiencing an exodus of rural citizens caused by growing deserts.   A serious problem indeed!