USA

Ukrainian Refugee Crisis Offers Disturbing Insight for Future of Climate Refugees

Ukrainian Refugee Crisis Offers Disturbing Insight for Future of Climate Refugees

It’s been one month since Russia invaded Ukraine, causing 3.5 million people to flee the country, an overwhelming majority heading west into the European Union (EU). As the smoke has cleared from the initial onset of the invasion, a picture has begun to emerge highlighting the either “unusually generous or overtly racist” stance taken by western media and the EU towards Ukrainian refugees in contrast to other non-Ukrainian refugees.

When those displaced by climate induced famine or conflict come from Africa, the Middle East or South Asia seeking refuge, can they expect such a warm reception from the EU and other wealthy nations as Ukrainian nationals have received? Sadly, refugee policy in Europe and other wealthy western nations have made it clear this is not the new status quo in handling refugees.

Advocates Push for Canada to Protect Climate Migrants

Advocates Push for Canada to Protect Climate Migrants

A group of Canadian lawyers have been advocating for small advances in Canadian immigration policy to accommodate the realities of climate impacts on human mobility. Like most countries, Canada does not recognize climate migrants under its current immigration law, but the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers points to past disasters – like the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and 2004 South East Asian tsunami - as example of times the government offered special directives to persons seeking refuge.

Future Climate Floods Will Impact US Black Communities Worse

Future Climate Floods Will Impact US Black Communities Worse

Of course the impacts of more frequent and intense storms aren’t financial only, but the longterm compounding effects they impose can be devastating. Those who can afford insurance now may find themselves priced out of the market, while those uninsured, will be even more dependent on unequal state and federal assistance, which bears the legacy of racism even in disaster.

Weekend Feature: Who is Accountable When Climate Change Displaces Indigenous People?

Weekend Feature: Who is Accountable When Climate Change Displaces Indigenous People?

Climate change will be the third iteration of displacement inflicted on Indigenous communities by the United States, all of which threaten the enjoyment of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

CBS Sunday Morning Segment on ‘Climate Refugees’ Misses The Mark

CBS’ long-running television newsmagazine Sunday Morning covered climate displacement in a segment during last week’s broadcast, asking whether there may be a perfect place to live in the US for those concerned about sea level rise and other climate threats. While the segment makes a few interesting and important points, it ultimately misses the mark and fails to meaningfully contribute to the discourse around climate change and human mobility.

Bangladesh Reminds World Leaders of Responsibility to Address Climate Change and Rights of Displaced People

Bangladesh’s Minister of Foreign Affairs AK Abdul Momen says his country requires “effective and proactive” support from the international community to address the Rohingya crisis as well as climate-related displacement, an important reminder to the international community that it bears responsibility for protecting migrants wherever they may reside.