Displacement

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Indigenous Guna People of Panama to be Relocated Due to Climate Change

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Indigenous Guna People of Panama to be Relocated Due to Climate Change

Off Panama’s Caribbean coast lies the tiny island of Gardí Sugdub, one of the 50 islands home to the Indigenous Guna people for over 300 years. Now, due to climate change-driven rising sea levels, that home is in severe danger. In recent years, the tiny 1200-foot-long and 450-foot-wide island has experienced severe flooding that has destabilized everyday activities for the community. The ocean is central to the Guna people’s way of life and supports the island's main income streams: fishing and tourism. These have been significantly affected by worsening tidal floods, storms, and strong winds. 

The Not-So-Hidden Climate Risks for Gaza's Displaced

The Not-So-Hidden Climate Risks for Gaza's Displaced

Gaza is one of the world’s most densely populated places. A narrow strip of land only 141 sq. miles (365 sq. km.), it is home to 2.1 million Palestinians, 81 percent of whom are refugees. In addition to the humanitarian and political crises created by multiple years of recurring conflict, Gaza is also highly vulnerable to climate change. This includes experiencing more frequent and increased cold snaps in winter months and temperatures rising 20 percent faster than anywhere else in the world.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has examined the intersections of the environment, climate change and conflict extensively, and as the ICRC puts it, Gaza is “where the effects of climate change exacerbate serious humanitarian needs resulting from an unresolved conflict.”

IPCC’s Final Warning is an Urgent Reminder to Take Action on Climate Displacement

IPCC’s Final Warning is an Urgent Reminder to Take Action on Climate Displacement

Last week, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its Sixth Synthesis Report, summarizing the state of knowledge on climate change science with a clear message:  “if we act now, we can still secure a liveable sustainable future for all.” The report also makes clear that yes, the climate is changing and with it, patterns of migration as well. 

UN Chief's Dramatic Language on Climate Migration May Not Be the Help We Need

UN Chief's Dramatic Language on Climate Migration May Not Be the Help We Need

Whether in the United States or Bangladesh, we are at a critical juncture regarding climate change and displacement, and it is important to effectively communicate the issues at stake. Unfortunately, the “mass exodus” remark and the explicit linkage to “security” by multiple speakers during the Security Council session, despite coming from international leaders who are understandably frustrated with global inaction, risks sparking fear amongst the public and even policymakers.

Climate Stress Spells Cycles of Distress for Farmers

Climate Stress Spells Cycles of Distress for Farmers

As climate disasters increase, so too does the cost associated with them. A new UN report on disaster risk reduction shows that disaster events across the world have steadily increased over the past few decades and they are only predicted to grow in regularity, to the point where we will soon be facing 1.5 disasters each day across the world.

The average number of disaster events per year between 1980 and 1999 was 200, and in 2015 there were 400. By 2030, the number of disasters may balloon to upwards of 560 per year and the average trends suggest a 30% increase from 2000 to 2030.

Madagascar is Struggling Under the Weight of Climate Change

Madagascar is Struggling Under the Weight of Climate Change

Unfortunately for Madagascar, weather-related disasters aren’t the only challenges climate change poses. These back-to-back disasters come on the heels of one the worst droughts to hit the country in 40 years. The drought, which has primarily hit the southern part of the country, has placed an estimated 2 million in need of urgent food assistance.