The climate crisis denotes the significant issues arising or anticipated due to alterations in the Earth’s climate, encompassing extreme weather events, natural disasters, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, and challenges related to food and water resources. Given the numerous issues that have already transpired, the term “climate change” is now deemed insufficient to capture the gravity of the overarching situation.
Climate change affects different areas and communities in various ways, sometimes causing people to move due to its impacts. Some refugee communities live in places highly affected by climate issues and disasters, which makes them less secure and more likely to be forced to move again. According to the UNHCR, around 21.5 million people were forced to leave their homes each year between 2008 and 2016 because of things like floods, storms, wildfires, and extreme temperatures. IEP predicts that in the next few decades, as many as 1.2 billion people globally could be forced to leave their homes by 2050 because of climate change and natural disasters.
Climate refugees are people who must leave their homes and communities because of the effects of climate change and global warming. In May 2023, Cyclone Mocha hit Bangladesh and Myanmar, marking the most powerful storm in the area in recent years and resulting in extensive damage. The cyclone severely affected homes, infrastructure, and millions of people in both countries. In Bangladesh, 2.3 million individuals, including 930,000 Rohingya refugees, felt the impact. Following the cyclone, as the monsoon season began, residents in affected areas, particularly refugee camps, have been trying to rebuild before the heavy rains intensify. However, only a small portion of the damaged shelters have been repaired, leaving thousands of people still exposed to the elements.
Indonesia’s largest city is Jakarta, with a population exceeding 10 million as of 2021. If around 95% of North Jakarta is submerged in the ocean by 2050, this situation will render thousands of residents homeless. Given that the remaining parts of Jakarta are already densely populated, it is unlikely that these displaced individuals can relocate within the city without worsening problems like overcrowding and traffic.
The impacts of the climate crisis are evident in the more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including unusually heavy rainfall, prolonged droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones. Over the past decade, these hazards have led to an average of 23 million people being displaced
each year. The majority of these displacements occur within the borders of their home countries, but some individuals may also be compelled to cross borders in order to find safety and protection.
The term “climate refugees” has been coined to describe the increasing large-scale migration and cross-border movements of people triggered by weather-related disasters. However, the legal rights and status of those who relocate in the context of disasters, climate change, and environmental degradation are unclear and inadequate. As per international law, refugees are
individuals who have fled their countries of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution. Since most people affected by environmental harm either stay within their countries or move across borders solely due to environmental factors, without facing persecution, they do not meet the international legal definition of a refugee. Consequently, they do not receive any special
protections under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its Protocol.
Climate refugees might face conflicts with indigenous residents as the climate crisis intensifies competition for resources such as water, food, and grazing lands. This heightened competition has the potential to spark conflicts between climate refugees and indigenous residents.
What can we do as youth/medical students?
- Raising awareness about climate refugees by educating yourself and others about the causes and consequences of climate change and how it leads to displacement.
- Advocate for policies that address climate change, support climate adaptation strategies, and protect climate refugees.
- Promote sustainable lifestyle
- Support climate refugees directly by volunteering, donating, etc.
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
Climate refugees are a consequence of our changing world, facing displacement due to environmental challenges. To address this crisis, individuals must stay informed, engage in advocacy for climate-friendly policies, support sustainable initiatives, and extend empathy toward those affected. By collectively acknowledging and acting on the plight
of climate refugees, we can play a role in creating a more compassionate and resilient global community that tackles the impacts of climate change.
Written by: Annisa Khaira (RnDC SCORP CIMSA 2024-2025)