One of the worst consequences of climate change is find yourself in the situation of having to leave what has been your home throughout your life. Whether it's a hurricane that has devastated your town, rising sea levels that threaten homes, or a drought that's depleting water supplies so rapidly it's causing water-related deaths in your area, you'll have no choice but to leave in search of a better life.
Human beings are very intelligent animals that have known how to adapt and colonize all parts of the world, but nature has always had a foot in front of us. This is how climate change affects the displacement of people according to data from Observatory of Internal Displacement (IMDC).
During 2016, there were several natural disasters that tested millions of people around the world. Only in Cuba, Hurricane Matthew forced a million people to evacuate, not to mention those who had to leave due to the loss of their homes. An analysis of this type of phenomenon is essential, since the Climate change is putting millions of people at risk.
In the Philippines, strong typhoons and intense tropical storms almost 15 million human beings they have had to leave the country. In Myanmar, an earthquake and monsoon floods displaced more than 500.000 people in 2016.
In Asia, and more specifically in China and India, the increase in desertification and the lack of basic resources, as well as environmental pollution, have caused the displacement of more than seven million and more than two million people respectively. The situation is alarming and reinforces the idea that With climate change we will be forced to emigrate.
According to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, an average of 21,5 million people have been displaced each year by climate-related threats since 2008. If this continues and action is not taken to tackle climate change, that number is expected to rise.
The magnitude of forced displacement due to climate change
Climate change is not just an environmental phenomenon; it is also a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people around the world. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is estimated that by 2050 more than one billion people will be exposed to climate risks, such as rising sea levels and droughts, which could force 216 million people to move within their countries, according to a World Bank report.
Climate-related forced migration is often compounded by pre-existing poverty and vulnerability. People living in precarious economic conditions are the most affected, as they have fewer resources to adapt to changing conditions. The inability to access clean water, food, healthcare and education can be intensified by natural disasters, forcing many communities to flee their homes.
Displacement due to Droughts and Extreme Weather Events
El Horn of Africa is one of the regions most affected by climate change. Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea, along with other countries such as Kenya and South Sudan, are facing the worst drought in decades. The lack of regular rainfall has led to an increase in internal displacement. In 2023, for example, around 1,75 million people in Somalia and Ethiopia were forced to leave their homes due to prolonged drought, highlighting the need for urgent attention on the impact of climate refugees.
In addition to drought, other disasters often arise, such as floods. In South Sudan, for example, annual floods affect one million people, destroying their homes and crops, creating a cycle of forced displacement.
Impact on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons
Refugees from regions affected by natural disasters often face extreme hardship during their relocation. The impact of climate change hampers not only their return home but also their integration into new environments. Temporary settlements, which are often overcrowded and lack basic services, exacerbate living conditions. High temperatures and scarce water resources in many of these areas increase the risk of disease and competition for resources, which can lead to additional tensions between displaced people and host communities.
The Role of UNHCR and International Organizations
UNHCR plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to those displaced by climate change. In 2020, for example, it deployed assistance teams to Central America and southern Mexico, where nearly three million people were affected by Hurricane Eta. UNHCR's responses include providing shelter, food, and medical assistance, as well as awareness-raising programs on climate change and its impacts, issues that have a significant impact on vulnerable communities.
Initiatives and Proposals for the Future
Studies on the impact of climate change on forced displacement suggest that more integrated approaches are critical to addressing these challenges. Some approaches include:
- Investment in resilient infrastructure: Develop infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and help communities become more resilient to climate change.
- Ecosystem restoration projects: Implement projects that restore damaged ecosystems to prevent environmental degradation and promote self-sufficiency of local communities, which is directly related to the climate change and ecosystem restoration.
- Education and awareness: Promote educational programs on climate change and sustainability in vulnerable regions, as well as initiatives that highlight the adaptation of plants to climate change.
- International collaboration: Strengthen cooperation among countries to address the causes of forced displacement and assist affected communities.
Displacement and Climate Justice
Climate change is, above all, a social justice issue. Communities in developing countries are often the most affected by climate change, even though they have contributed the least to its cause. This exacerbates inequality, and it is critical that the international community take action to address these injustices. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized that the poorest have a right to be angry, as they are suffering the consequences of a climate crisis they did not cause.
In the foreseeable future, migration policies will need to adapt to include those displaced by climate change. Policy-level decisions must take into account the needs of displaced communities, ensuring their right to safety and a dignified life, and greater attention will be needed to differences between climate change and global warming.
The Impact of Natural Disasters on Education
In addition to displacement, climate change also impacts the right to education. Affected communities often lack access to schools and educational resources, which limits opportunities for future generations. UNESCO has termed this situation an “invisible category” in the context of human rights. Policies must focus not only on physical displacement, but also on ensuring access to education for those affected by climate change, an aspect that will also be discussed in our recommended readings.
The challenges posed by climate change are complex and require a multifaceted approach. Efforts must be invested in both mitigating the causes of climate change and in the adaptation of vulnerable communities, as mentioned in the article on the effects of climate change in GermanyCollaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as the commitment of the international community, are essential to addressing these emerging humanitarian crises.
