Could climate change cause the next refugee crisis? Extreme weather events are putting lives at risk across the world. In the years to come, many may be forced to make drastic choices.
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Earth records its hottest day ever - twice
Could climate change cause the next refugee crisis? Extreme weather events are putting lives at risk across the world. In the years to come, many may be forced to make drastic choices.
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The sun beat down on the dusty road as Fatima trudged along, her small son clinging to her hand. They had been walking for days - ever since their village was destroyed by floods. They had lost everything: their homes, their belongings, their friends. Now they were two refugeesAnyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from., trying to find a new place to call home.
On Monday 3 July 2023 the world experienced its hottest day on record. The average global temperature reached 17.01C.
But then, only a day later, the record was broken again at 17.18C. It happened again the next day too, with scientists recording an average temperature of 17.23C.
Global warming is causing drastic changes around the world. It means that Fatima's story is not rare. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more common, more and more people are being forced to flee their homes in search of safety and security.
According to the United NationsAn international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world., climate change is already displacing millions of people around the world. Experts think that the number of climate refugees could reach 1.2 billion by 2050 and 1.4 billion by 2060.
It leaves another big question: where will climate refugees go? For many migrants, the move they make is from rural to urban areas in their own country. But many would like to leave their own country for the safety of a richer one. Not all will receive an open-armed welcome from abroad.
Surprisingly then, some are talking about the possible benefits of climate induced migration. One study found that in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in Iceland, children who had to move after their homes were destroyed by lava had much better educational outcomes and lifetime earnings compared to those who had not been affected.
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Could climate change cause the next refugee crisis?
Yes: As the planet warms, sea levels will rise, extreme weather events will become more common and agricultural yields will decline. This will lead to mass migration, as people are forced to flee their homes in search of safety and security.
No: Many people who are displaced by climate change are also displaced by other factors, such as war and poverty. With the right support these people may be able to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Or... The question is whether or not this is actually a crisis. Climate change may force people tragically to lose their homes and relocate but with proper planning it need not be the disaster people fear.
Keywords
Refugees - Anyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from.
United Nations - An international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world.
Earth records its hottest day ever — twice
Helping hand: Today, most of the world's refugees live in developing countries. Glossary
Refugees - Anyone fleeing conflict or persecution is defined as a refugee by the UN as a refugee, regardless of where they are from.
United Nations - An international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world.