A new United Nations report released at the COP29 climate summit paints a stark picture: climate change is driving a growing refugee crisis, adding to the already immense numbers displaced by conflict, Al Jazeera reports.
The report, issued by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), reveals that three-quarters of the world’s forcibly displaced people reside in countries severely impacted by climate hazards. Over the past decade, the number of conflict-driven refugees has doubled to over 120 million, with 90 million of them living in areas highly susceptible to climate-related disasters.
“For the world’s most vulnerable people, climate change is a harsh reality that profoundly affects their lives,” said 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.”
The report highlights the interconnectedness of conflict and climate change, with countries like Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria experiencing both. These nations see a staggering 50% of displaced people living in areas vulnerable to both conflict and extreme weather events.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the plight of Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict and seeking safety in neighboring Chad. Chad, already grappling with its own climate challenges, has been a refuge for Sudanese refugees for years, but is facing increasing pressure due to climate-induced displacement. Meanwhile, those remaining in Sudan are at risk of further displacement due to severe flooding.
Similarly, over 70% of refugees from Myanmar have sought safety in Bangladesh, a country classified as having extreme exposure to cyclones and flooding.
The COP29 summit, gathering delegates from nearly 200 countries, is focusing on climate change-related challenges. However, the absence of top-level delegations from major players like the United States and China adds a layer of concern. The event is taking place amidst warnings that 2024 is on track to break temperature records, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
The discussion surrounding climate finance is a key point of contention, with poorer nations pushing for an increase in the $100 billion annual target. UN special representative on sustainable energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, stated that “one of her key expectations is on the role of climate finance.”
The recent election of Donald Trump as the US president adds a further layer of uncertainty, as Trump has previously threatened to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord aimed at limiting global warming.
