Climate Crisis Intensifies Risks for Displaced Populations, UN Warns

A report released Tuesday during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has highlighted the growing impact of climate change on forcibly displaced populations worldwide. The study, conducted by the UN Refugee Agency in partnership with 13 expert organizations, emphasizes how climate shocks, combined with conflict, are intensifying challenges for the displaced.

The report revealed that out of over 120 million forcibly displaced individuals globally, three-quarters reside in countries heavily affected by climate change, with half of these in regions grappling with both conflict and severe climate risks. It warns that by 2040, the number of countries facing extreme climate hazards is expected to surge from three to 65, many of which host displaced communities.

“The intersection between displacement and climate change is very real,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said in an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua. Grandi called for climate considerations to be integrated into humanitarian responses and stressed that current efforts are inadequate. He urged for more resources to be directed toward the most vulnerable nations to enhance climate justice.