UN Report Highlights Climate Change as Key Driver of Global Refugee Crisis
A new UN report warns that climate change is a major driver of the global refugee crisis, forcing millions from their homes. The report also highlights the increasing vulnerability of displaced people to climate-related hazards.
The UNHCR’s latest report underscores a troubling intersection between climate change and displacement, revealing that the number of forcibly displaced people has reached 120 million, doubling in the past decade. This alarming trend is primarily fueled by climate-related hazards, which disproportionately impact regions already beset by conflict. Three-quarters of the displaced population reside in countries experiencing severe climate risks, including Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi emphasized the plight of vulnerable populations, stating, “For the world’s most vulnerable people, climate change is a harsh reality.” The report indicates that nearly 90 million of those displaced are in nations with high to extreme exposure to climate hazards, exacerbating their suffering and leaving them with limited options for safety.
In Sudan, recent conflicts have forced around 700,000 people to flee to neighboring Chad, a country also grappling with climate challenges. Those remaining in Sudan face further risks from severe flooding. Similarly, over 70% of refugees from Myanmar have sought refuge in Bangladesh, a nation increasingly affected by extreme weather events like cyclones and flooding.
The report was released during the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, where nearly 200 countries are discussing climate-related challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the dire consequences of climate breakdown, stating, “The climate crisis is a cost-of-living crisis,” linking economic instability with climate impacts.
As the global community grapples with these interconnected crises, the UN urges immediate action to address both climate change and the escalating refugee situation, calling for enhanced support and sustainable solutions for the displaced.
