The UN has warned that climate change is significantly worsening global displacement situations, with record numbers of 120 million people uprooted due to conflict and extreme weather. The report emphasizes the urgent need for more investment in adaptation strategies, particularly in regions severely affected by both climate and conflict. By 2050, the adverse effects of climate change on refugee settlements are expected to intensify significantly, underscoring the necessity for immediate action.
The United Nations has emphasized that climate change is contributing to record numbers of forcibly displaced individuals globally, exacerbating already dire living conditions for refugees. During ongoing international climate discussions in Baku, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, articulated the complex interplay between increasing global temperatures, extreme weather, and displacement crises. It urged increased investments in strategies to mitigate these risks, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as Sudan, Somalia, and Myanmar. In this recent report, UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi underscored the growing frequency of extreme weather incidents, which impose significant hardships on displaced persons, 75 percent of whom currently reside in nations highly vulnerable to climate-related risks. With a staggering 120 million individuals displaced due to conflict, the report highlighted a doubling in displacement over the past decade, with weather-related disasters also playing a significant role, displacing 220 million people in the last ten years. Mr. Andrew Harper, UNHCR’s special advisor on climate action, pointed out the grim reality faced by those in refugee settlements, which are disproportionately found in lower-income countries lacking the necessary infrastructure to withstand climate shifts. He emphasized the urgent need for enhanced funding and support for these groups as the number of nations facing extreme climate risks is anticipated to increase drastically by 2040. Further projections indicate that by 2050, refugee camps will likely experience twice as many days of dangerous heat, adversely affecting health and agricultural viability. UNHCR calls upon policymakers attending COP29 to allocate a larger share of international climate financing to refugees and their host communities, remarking on the inadequate funding provided to fragile states. Without adequate investments in climate adaptation and resilience, mass displacement towards less affected areas will continue unabated, reflecting a persistent need for holistic responses to these interrelated crises.
The UN report highlights the escalating impact of climate change on global displacement, emphasizing how environmental factors, particularly extreme weather conditions, are increasingly driving individuals from their homes. It elucidates the interplay between conflict and climate shocks, illustrating how vulnerable populations are being pushed into even more desperate situations. By identifying the alarming trends in displacement and the inadequate financial support allocated to those affected, the report calls for urgent global action and a reallocation of resources to mitigate these crises.
In conclusion, the UN report reveals an alarming nexus between climate change and forced migration, noting that extreme weather exacerbates already challenging living conditions for displaced individuals. The urgent need for enhanced international funding and support for adaptation processes in vulnerable regions is paramount, as is the recognition of the interdependent nature of climate change and human displacement. Without substantial investments, the world will witness an unprecedented increase in displacement due to climate-related hazards.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
