A UNHCR report reveals climate change dramatically escalates the global refugee crisis, with displaced individuals now totaling 120 million. The report underscores that most displaced persons are in regions severely impacted by climate hazards and conflict. UN officials stress the urgency of addressing these intertwined crises, especially as new climate discussions occur during COP29 in Azerbaijan.
According to a report from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), climate change significantly exacerbates the refugee crisis, with the number of displaced individuals now reaching 120 million, effectively doubling in the last decade. The report highlights that three-quarters of forcibly displaced people reside in countries severely impacted by climatic disturbances. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, emphasized that for many vulnerable populations, climate change is a stark reality that not only exacerbates existing conflicts but also complicates efforts to secure safe havens. Countries such as Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia, and Syria illustrate the intersection of conflict and climate-induced hazards, where many individuals lack safe refuge. For instance, approximately 700,000 individuals have fled Sudan’s conflict into Chad, a nation already grappling with climate challenges. Meanwhile, over 70 percent of refugees from Myanmar have sought asylum in Bangladesh, which faces extreme weather conditions like cyclones and flooding. The UN report was released during the COP29 climate meeting in Azerbaijan, where delegates from nearly 200 countries convene to address ongoing climate issues. The urgency surrounding climate-related discussions has intensified as projections indicate that 2024 might set new temperature records. Despite this, climate financing remains a contentious issue, exemplified by Damilola Ogunbiyi’s remarks that only 15 percent of clean energy investments are directed toward the Global South.
The ongoing refugee crisis is significantly influenced by climate change, as evidenced by the latest UNHCR report. This report connects environmental hazards with mass displacement, highlighting how climatic instability compounds existing conflicts. The findings illustrate that displaced individuals often seek refuge in regions already burdened by environmental challenges. Moreover, the COP29 summit serves as a backdrop for addressing both climate action and the humanitarian aspects of this growing displacement crisis.
In conclusion, the UNHCR report elucidates the alarming connection between climate change and forced displacement, revealing that conflict-affected regions bear the brunt of these challenges. The intersection of environmental hazards and human insecurity calls for urgent attention from global leaders to address both climate and humanitarian crises. As the world grapples with rising temperatures and displacement, proactive efforts are essential to safeguard the most vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
