CLIMATE DISPLACEMENT IN THE NEWS
The same link must be drawn in developed countries as well. The UK and Europe storms are opportunity for these developed country citizens to recognize the pattern of loss and damage they’re starting to witness at home as well, and to hold their elected leaders to account for historic and continuing global emissions despite the dire warnings from the science community.
One major area of concern is the impact of climate change on the existing health inequities experienced by these communities. A warming climate will worsen food and water security, air quality, personal safety, and mental well-being, and access to livelihood options, among others. The report importantly highlights that health impacts are not experienced evenly within and between Indigenous communities, demonstrating that solutions must respect “cultures, geography, local contexts, and the unique needs of these communities.”
Mozambique is dealing with climate-induced migration in the south and conflict-induced migration in the north. Tropical Storm Ana made landfall in the southeast African nation last month, destroying hundreds of homes and killing at least twelve people. This is not the first deadly storm to hit Mozambique and unfortunately, they are becoming increasingly prevalent for Mozambique and other countries in the region due to 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.
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.
Addressing the needs and protection of climate migrants is a matter of human rights, but according to a new study linking modern slavery and climate change, it might also hold massive potential in mitigating climate change. Astonishingly, modern slavery emits 2.54 billion tons of CO2 a year and over the past few years, increasing correlations have been made recognizing the nexus between climate change, migration and modern slavery. According to Anti-Slavery International, modern slavery can come in the form of human trafficking, forced labor, debt bondage, forced prostitution and child labor among others, and now climate-induced migration is increasing migrants’ vulnerability to modern slavery.
