The UN refugee agency warns that around 60 million displaced individuals are trapped in rising climate crises and conflicts, particularly in vulnerable countries like Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria. By 2040, extreme climate hazards could affect 65 countries, worsening the plight of refugees. Urgent climate financing is needed to help those impacted, as currently, funding is disproportionately directed towards more stable nations, leaving fragile states at a disadvantage.
The UN refugee agency has issued a stark warning that approximately half of the more than 120 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide are increasingly caught in the crosshairs of the escalating climate crisis and ongoing conflicts. A report released at COP29 in Baku highlights that three-quarters of these displaced persons reside in nations severely impacted by climate change, exacerbating their plight in regions already suffering from violence and instability. The report indicates a significant rise in the number of nations grappling with extreme climate-related hazards, soaring from three currently to 65 by 2040. Approximately half of the displaced individuals are situated in countries that experience both serious climate dangers and conflict, including Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria. Furthermore, the report anticipates that many refugee camps will witness a doubling of days with hazardous heat by 2050. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, stated that for the world’s most vulnerable populations, the impacts of climate change are severe, aggravating their already precarious situation. He emphasized that the combination of climate change and conflict is forcing countless individuals to flee, often into even more dangerous environments. For instance, ongoing violence in Sudan has displaced millions, with a substantial number seeking refuge in Chad, a country also vulnerable to climate-induced challenges. Moreover, the report underscores a significant lack of climate financing directed toward refugees and the communities that host them. It reveals that extremely fragile nations receive only an alarming $2 per person annually in adaptation funding, compared to $161 in stable states. This disparity highlights the injustices faced by forcibly displaced individuals, who are least responsible for climate change yet bear its most severe consequences. The refugee agency calls for urgent action from states to protect those displaced by both conflict and climate disasters and advocates for their involvement in financial and policy decisions. Grandi declared that the climate emergency represents a grave injustice, revealing the stark contrast between carbon emissions responsibilities and the burdens faced by vulnerable communities.
The ongoing climate crisis and conflicts have contributed to a staggering increase in the number of displaced individuals globally. Recent reports indicate that many displaced persons live in regions susceptible to both climate-related disasters and violent conflicts, creating a compounding crisis for the affected populations. As climate hazards become more frequent and severe, the repercussions on displaced individuals grow alarmingly, amplifying their vulnerabilities and challenges to secure safe living conditions. The inequity in funding for adaptation further exacerbates the situation, particularly for those in fragile states. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has highlighted that a significant portion of climate financing disproportionately favors stable nations while neglecting those in conflict or facing severe climate threats, rendering displaced persons at an increased risk without adequate resources.
In conclusion, the UN refugee agency’s report serves as a critical reminder of the dual challenges faced by over 120 million forcibly displaced individuals trapped in the escalating climate crisis and prolonged conflicts. The need for immediate action and equitable distribution of climate finance is paramount to support the vulnerable populations enduring the brunt of these crises. As the number of nations affected by extreme climate hazards rises significantly, it becomes essential to address the injustices faced by those who are least responsible for climate change yet suffer its most severe consequences. Urgent cooperation and innovative solutions are necessary to ensure that these communities receive the help they desperately need.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
