The platform is a global network of experts, researchers, and practitioners who collaborate to address the growing problem of climate refugees.
The Growing Problem of Climate Refugees
Climate refugees are individuals who have been displaced due to the impacts of climate change. The term “climate refugee” is often used interchangeably with “climate migrant,” but some argue that the term “climate migrant” is more accurate as it encompasses not only those displaced by climate change but also those who migrate for other reasons. However, the distinction between the two terms is not always clear-cut, and the platform acknowledges that the terms are often used interchangeably. Key characteristics of climate refugees: + Displacement due to climate-related disasters + Often lack access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter + May face social and economic exclusion + May be forced to migrate to new areas due to environmental degradation
The Impact of Climate Change on Human Migration
Climate change is having a profound impact on human migration patterns. Rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and changing weather patterns are all contributing to increased displacement.
Climate refugees face a massive displacement crisis due to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
However, the scale of the problem is much larger than that of conflict refugees,” says Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a climate refugee expert at the University of California, Berkeley.
The Scale of the Problem
The number of climate refugees is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands, with some estimates suggesting that up to 143 million people could be displaced by 2050 due to climate change. This is a staggering number, and it’s essential to understand the scale of the problem to grasp the magnitude of the issue.
The Complexity of Climate Migration
Climate migration refers to the movement of people from one region to another due to environmental or climatic factors. This phenomenon is often misunderstood as a simple case of people fleeing their homes due to natural disasters or extreme weather events. However, climate migration is a complex issue that involves various factors, including environmental degradation, economic instability, and social inequality. Key drivers of climate migration: + Environmental degradation: deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity + Economic instability: poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to resources + Social inequality: discrimination, marginalization, and lack of social services + Climate change: rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events
The Challenges of Climate Migration
Climate migration poses significant challenges for individuals, communities, and governments. Some of the key challenges include:
The Role of International Law
The 1951 Refugee Convention has no provision for climate change as a reason for people to flee their country and seek asylum elsewhere. However, the United Nations has recognized climate change as a major driver of migration.
Millions displaced by disasters worldwide, with women and children bearing the brunt of the crisis.
The Growing Recognition of Disaster Displacement
The concept of disaster displacement has gained significant attention in recent years, with many international organizations acknowledging its importance as a protection challenge. This shift in recognition is largely attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, which have resulted in massive displacement of people worldwide.
The Rise of Disaster Displacement
However, the number of people displaced by natural disasters and climate change is increasing. According to the Swiss Federal Office for Migration, there were 1.4 million people displaced in 2020 due to natural disasters and climate change. This number has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2019, there were 1.2 million people displaced, and in 2018, there were 1.1 million people. The number of people displaced by natural disasters and climate change is expected to continue to rise in the future.
The Growing Need for Protection
The increasing number of people displaced by natural disasters and climate change has created a growing need for protection.
The Platform’s Advocacy Focus
The Platform is not a traditional organisation, but rather a platform that focuses on political advocacy. This means that it does not have a physical presence or operational structure, but rather relies on its online presence and network of supporters to achieve its goals.
The organisation is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and works to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by disasters and climate change.
The Problem of Displacement
Disaster and climate change are increasingly affecting communities worldwide, leading to displacement and migration. This phenomenon is not limited to developing countries; even in developed nations, people are being forced to leave their homes due to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other climate-related factors. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, over 143 million people will be displaced due to climate change. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports that in 2020, over 30 million people were displaced due to disasters and climate-related events. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) notes that climate change is one of the main drivers of displacement, alongside conflict and economic instability.
The Role of the Organisation
The organisation, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland, works to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by disasters and climate change. The organisation employs six staff members and has a budget of CHF1.1 million per year, which is donated by the Swiss government. The organisation provides emergency assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care, to people affected by disasters and climate change.
This partnership is designed to support the development of policies and programs that address the root causes of migration and promote sustainable development.
The Context of the Partnership
Switzerland has a long history of providing humanitarian aid and support to countries affected by natural disasters and climate change.
Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration
The pact focuses on four key areas:
The pact aims to reduce the number of irregular migrants and irregular migration flows.
The Migration Pact: A Global Framework for Managing Migration
The migration pact, also known as the Marrakech Migration Compact, is a landmark agreement aimed at addressing the complexities of international migration.
