A new report by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has noted the degree to which climate change is impacting those fleeing war, violence and persecution around the world.
The report, No Escape: On the Frontlines of Climate Change, Conflict and Forced Displacement, was produced in collaboration with 13 expert organisations, research institutions and refugee-led groups, and illustrates how climate shocks are interacting with conflicts, pushing those already in danger into even more dire situations.
Displaced peoples
It found that of the 120 million that have been forcibly displaced around the world, three quarters live in countries heavily impacted by climate change – including Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Syria.
In addition, by 2040, the number of countries facing extreme climate-related hazards is set to rise significantly, directly affecting the displaced people based there – most refugee settlements and camps are projected to experience twice as many days of dangerous heat by 2050.
“For the world’s most vulnerable people, climate change is a harsh reality that profoundly affects their lives,” commented UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. “The climate crisis is driving displacement in regions already hosting large numbers of people uprooted by conflict and insecurity, compounding their plight and leaving them with nowhere safe to go.”
As an example, Sudan’s ongoing conflict has led to mass displacement, pushing 700,000 refugees into Chad, a country that has long hosted refugees but remains among the most climate-vulnerable globally. Elsewhere, more than 70% of Myanmar’s refugees are situated in Bangladesh, a nation prone to extreme cyclones and flooding.
Climate adaptation
Published during COP29, the report also notes that funding for climate adaptation measures largely bypasses refugees and their host communities, especially in fragile states – on average, these regions receive just $2 per person annually for climate adaptation.
“The climate emergency represents a deep injustice,” Grandi added. “The billions of dollars in climate financing never reach them, and humanitarian assistance cannot adequately cover the ever-widening gap. Solutions are at hand, but we need urgent action. Without proper resources and support, those affected will be trapped.” Read more here. [Photo: © UNHCR/Andrew McConnell]
