The global crisis of forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels, with over 120 million people uprooted by conflict, violence, and an increasingly dire climate emergency.
While violence remains the primary cause of displacement, the accelerating impact of climate change is exacerbating vulnerabilities and creating new challenges for millions of displaced individuals.
In the past decade, the number of forcibly displaced people has nearly doubled, and today, approximately 90 million of them live in countries highly exposed to climate hazards.
Shockingly, nearly half face the dual burden of conflict and adverse climate effects.
With extreme weather events predicted to intensify, the number of countries facing severe climate hazards is expected to skyrocket from three to 65 by 2040, many of which host significant displaced populations.
According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), countries of origin like Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan are already grappling with compounded crises, as are their primary destinations.
Refugees from Sudan fleeing to Chad, or Afghans seeking safety in Pakistan and Iran, often move from one climate disaster zone to another. Forecasts indicate that by 2040, the vast majority of these regions will face even greater climate risks.
The personal accounts of displaced individuals illuminate the devastating consequences of this vicious cycle.
UNHCR reports that an Afghan Refugee Bahadur Khan, for instance, has faced displacement three times – first due to war and later from catastrophic flooding in Pakistan.
Similarly, in Myanmar, Cyclone Mocha destroyed what little Rohingya families like Ma Phyu Ma’s had, leaving them further exposed to future climate events.
Extreme heat also poses growing threats. Between 2007 and 2016, refugee camps in countries like Ethiopia and Senegal experienced up to 100 days of dangerous heat annually, a number expected to rise significantly by 2050.
These climate pressures not only strain resources but also exacerbate tensions between displaced populations and host communities, creating fertile ground for new conflicts.
The intertwined crises of conflict and climate often prevent displaced people from finding stability.
In Somalia, for example, prolonged droughts and subsequent flooding have forced families like Shamsa Amin Ali’s to flee, making the prospect of returning home increasingly unlikely.
After five failed rainy seasons destroyed her farm and livelihood, Shamsa embarked on an arduous journey to Kenya, only to find herself trapped in the ongoing uncertainty of displacement.
Pathways to Sustainable Solutions
While the challenges are immense, UNHCR proposed solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on displaced populations are within reach.
These include inclusive policymaking, better climate finance allocation, and renewable energy initiatives.
Inclusive decision-making: Displaced communities must be included in shaping climate adaptation strategies. Currently, only a fraction of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) address displacement. Engaging refugees in designing policies can yield more effective solutions, as demonstrated by Rohingya youth in Bangladesh, who are reducing flood risks through environmental restoration projects.
Community-led conservation: In Colombia, initiatives like the Mangrove Guardians involve displaced people in restoring ecosystems. By planting trees and cleaning polluted areas, such projects not only protect natural barriers but also rebuild livelihoods and foster community resilience.
Bridging gaps in climate finance: Despite bearing the brunt of climate change, fragile states receive minimal financial support. Redirecting funds to refugee-hosting nations and investing in refugee-led projects can make a critical difference. For instance, solar energy initiatives in Jordan’s Za’atari and Azraq camps have reduced carbon emissions while improving living conditions for thousands of Syrian refugees.
Renewable energy solutions: Solar power projects in Jordan demonstrate the potential of renewable energy in refugee camps. By meeting 100% of the camps’ electricity needs through solar plants, these projects not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance refugees’ quality of life.
The intersection of climate change and forced displacement demands urgent global attention.
