People forced to flee war, violence and persecution are increasingly finding themselves on the front line of the global climate crisis, exposing them to a lethal combination of threats but without the funding and support to adapt.
This is the dire situation set out in a new report, No Escape: On the frontline of Climate Change, Conflict and Forced Displacement, that UNHCR launched at COP29 in Baku. The report, developed in collaboration with 13 expert organizations, research institutions and refugee-led groups, uses the latest evidence and data to show how climate shocks are interacting with conflict, making those who are already in danger even more vulnerable.
Climate change is having a devastating impact on people who have already been forced to flee. However, Andrew Harper, Special Advisor on Climate Action to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, reminds us in an interview how solutions are in reach – if we act now, act together, and with the resources we need.
Highlights from the report:
Of the more than 120 million forcibly displaced worldwide, three-quarters live in countries heavily impacted by climate change. Half are in places affected by both conflict and serious climate hazards, such as Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Syria.
Over the past 10 years, weather-related disasters have caused 220 million internal displacements – equivalent to approximately 60,000 displacements per day.
Most refugee settlements and camps are projected to experience twice as many days of dangerous heat by 2050.
And yet, despite these alarming statistics, most climate financing—90%—goes to middle-income, high-emitting countries, while extremely fragile states receive very little support. On average, these fragile states get only $2.10 per person per year for climate adaptation, compared to $161 per person in more stable countries.
Why are refugees and forcibly displaced people so vulnerable to climate change?
Refugees and those who have been forced to flee are often hosted in areas where no one else wants to live. Major refugee camps are frequently situated in deserts or regions prone to flooding. Climate change exacerbates the already difficult conditions faced by forcibly displaced people, making their lives even more precarious.
“Climate change is intensifying the vulnerabilities of those in need of international protection.”
The effects of climate change are increasingly visible in refugee settlements. Access to essential resources like water and firewood is becoming more challenging. Imagine living in a plastic tent under 45-degree heat without adequate water for your children. That’s the reality of many people who have been forced to flee, with women, children, and the elderly being particularly affected.
And then there’s the fact that climate change hinders durable solutions. In some cases, people who were forced to flee because of conflict or persecution are now unable to return to their places of origin, because climate change has rendered those areas uninhabitable in the meantime.
Gender and the climate crisis: how does climate change affect women and girls, and what is their role in fighting it?
During a recent visit to the border between Somalia and Kenya, I encountered women with their children who had been displaced multiple times—initially by conflict and then, after a period of prolonged drought, further displaced by floods. After being hit by these floods in Somalia, they trekked for six days through dangerous areas to reach Kenya, seeking hope for their children’s education and access to healthcare.
Women and girls are particularly at risk. For example, climate change often means that displaced people struggle to access the lack of resources they need to survive. Women and girls often have no choice but to walk long distances to water, food and fuel, putting them at risk of sexual violence, or being forced into survival sex. It also means they are at risk of missing out on an education, which in turn increases their risk of being subjected to early or forced marriage.
Wherever I have travelled—from Kenya to Brazil—I have seen women driving solutions. We must ensure that we empower and support them, and that climate adaptation and resilience-building pay particular attention to women. Those impacted on the front lines have the best understanding of their needs, and we must listen to them.
What about the impact of climate change on host communities?
Displaced people are not the only ones who are affected by the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, cyclones, and droughts that devastate crops and livestock. Host communities, who provide essential protection, are also affected.
“If we do not support these communities and the countries that have been accommodating refugees for decades, we cannot expect them to continue offering protection.”
As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, we must be better prepared, using the data and scientific evidence we already have. It is crucial to work collaboratively with communities, providing them with the resources, and funding necessary to build a more climate-resilient future.
UNHCR’s three pillars of climate action
At UNHCR, we operate 500 offices globally, including in deserts, jungles, and flood-prone areas, directly engaging with affected communities. Our mandate is to provide protection, which requires collaboration with local authorities.
Our climate action strategy is built on three key pillars:
Law and Policy: We ensure that protection is enshrined in legislation, working closely with governments and communities to strengthen laws that address the challenges posed by climate change.
Operational Solutions: Beyond laws and policies, refugees need practical support; we work with partners to ensure access to resources and services – such as water, food, renewable energy, education and healthcare. For example, we collaborate with communities to introduce drought-resistant crops.
Reducing Environmental Impact: We are working on reducing our carbon footprint by minimizing generator and vehicle use. We are exploring recycled materials for aid items and reconsidering our use of packaging, to reduce waste.
With the number of displaced people that has been on the rise for twelve consecutive years, we are having to do more with less. This requires partnerships with other agencies, climate funds, and the private sector to provide dignified solutions for those impacted by climate change.
What are the upcoming challenges UNHCR and forcibly displaced people are facing?
To identify the challenges, we need to build on the crucial data and evidence set out in the UNHCR-led report, No Escape: On the frontline of Climate Change, Conflict and Forced Displacement. UNHCR is collaborating with academic institutions to examine the impacts of extreme heat and humidity, to better understand how climate hazards will likely intersect with displacement in years to come.
We know that the challenges will intensify, as conflict and the impacts of climate change continue to interact. We know that indicators such as a lack of governance, education, and healthcare often serve as precursors to future conflict. It is not difficult to foresee where the challenges will arise. We are likely to witness a retreat of public services from the peripheries of certain states to their capitals, which will create space for non-state actors to operate. This trend is already evident in the Sahel and other regions.
“Imagine living in a desert with only ten litres of water per day per person, often without any shade, confined to a plastic tent, and facing a bleak future.”
Without immediate action and funding, the risk of increased conflict rises. The 120 million displaced people need urgent solutions—access to water, shelter, the means to grow crops, and sustainable livelihoods—to survive in an increasingly hostile environment.
It’s also important to remember that in the absence of opportunities for people to return, forced displacement will last longer. In some cases, people who were forced to flee because of conflict will not be able to return to their homes after the conflict has abated, because climate change will have made those areas uninhabitable in the meantime.
What can Switzerland do the address the situation of climate change on forcibly displaced people?
Switzerland can play a vital role in supporting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by climate change. First, it’s essential to recognize the profound impact of climate change on the dignity and vulnerability of these populations. Switzerland also has the capacity to translate its humanitarian legacy into meaningful action.
To create real change, Switzerland should leverage its numerous humanitarian agencies and provide both technical support and funding. While there are clear solutions to address these challenges, financial backing is crucial to implement them effectively.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, the need for immediate assistance grows. Many internally displaced people in Syria, for example, living in makeshift shelters, will struggle in the face of harsh conditions this winter; in Afghanistan, displaced people are also at risk as temperatures drop. It’s important for the Swiss public to understand the realities of displacement and know that they can help.
By raising awareness, advocating for funding, and supporting local and international initiatives, the Swiss population can significantly contribute to improving the lives of those affected by climate change. Together, we can make a tangible difference for vulnerable communities.
Andrew Harper’s message to you:
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Switzerland for its ongoing support of displaced populations affected by climate change. However, the scale of need remains immense, and current assistance is not sufficient to meet these challenges.
We urgently require sustained funding and ongoing support to address the critical situation faced by refugees. This is not a short-term effort; it demands a long-term commitment. We invite the people of Switzerland to join us in this vital partnership. Your contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are suffering.
"Now is the time to act. By donating, you can help provide essential resources and support to those in desperate need."
Together, we can create a brighter future for displaced communities and ensure their dignity and resilience in the face of climate change. Thank you for your support.