Source 1
In 2019 there were many extreme climate events. Wildfires affected California and
Australia, whilst typhoons hit east Asia. Cyclone Idai put much of Mozambique under flood
water and France experienced its highest temperature on record. More people are being
affected by climate change and environmental disasters and many are forced to move away
from their homes to survive. In 2019, it was estimated that 5.1 million people migrated due
to environmental reasons. It is estimated that this will grow to 123 million people by 2050.
Source 2
The climate crisis is a human rights issue, and EJF is working tirelessly to give these
vulnerable communities a voice and secure international protection for climate refugees.
● EJF calls on all countries to rapidly and fully implement the global climate agreement
agreed in Paris in December 2015 and support efforts to raise their emission
reduction pledges over time in line with its goal to phase out man-made emissions
and keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C on pre-industrial levels.
● EJF calls on governments to recognise climate refugees and support a new legal
agreement to guarantee their rights and their fair claim to our shared world. These
populations currently have no support under existing legislation, such as the 1951
Geneva Convention to protect those fleeing war and persecution.
● EJF calls for a UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change to
examine the issues surrounding climate change and human mobility, help protect the
most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations within and across countries, and
guide international action on climate-induced displacement.
Adapted from Enivironmental Justice Foundation’s (EJF) website accessed in 2024
Source 3
I wanted to learn about efforts to address environmental migration, so I decided to speak
with the coordinator of a local environmental resettlement project in my area. Ms. Garcia
was enthusiastic about the progress of her work and graciously allowed me to conduct a
case study.
Our conversation took place in a community center that served as a hub for the
resettlement project. Nearby, volunteers were busy organizing supplies for affected families,
and the sounds of activity occasionally interrupted our discussion. Despite the bustle, I
managed to jot down some notes to capture Ms. Garcia's insights.
Ms. Garcia explained, "Our goal is not just to relocate people affected by environmental
disasters but to empower them to thrive in their new environments with dignity. Instead of
simply providing temporary shelter, we offer training and support to help families rebuild
their lives sustainably. We teach them how to cultivate resilient crops, conserve water, and
adapt to their new surroundings. By equipping them with skills and resources, we're helping
communities become self-reliant in the face of environmental challenges. This has become
more important as there are now more environmental disasters than in the past"
from student survey in North America, 2019
Source 4: How can we prevent environmental migration?
Grace
Environmental migration should be managed globally by countries working together.
Climate change crosses borders and migrants cross borders. The World Bank has
proposed cutting global greenhouse gas emissions to reduce climate change and pressure
on livelihoods. This will reduce the need for climate migration.
With the help of the United Nations, governments should research climate change and
migration trends to find places where migrants will be safe and welcome. Housing, schools,
healthcare, and new jobs can be created before disasters happen.
Countries must cooperate to prevent human suffering. If not, there will be increased
tensions and conflict from pressure on scarce resources.Wealthy, industrialised countries
produced the emissions that created climate change. However, less industrialised, poorer
nations will pay the price in the form of climate disasters and resource scarcity. That seems
unfair!
Pana
I disagree. These issues can only be solved by individuals.
International action is too slow. Many country leaders do not understand the complexity of
the problem. They act out of short-term self-interest because they want votes. Too many
politicians only care about their own country. They do not care when other people suffer and
do not see the benefits of countries working together.
Individual citizens can show the way through kindness to strangers and by supporting local
migrant organisations. People should help migrants to learn our language and find
employment. Migrants workhard and contribute to the wealth of our country so they deserve
our help.
What are you waiting for ? Write to the government and ask them to cooperate with other
countries andthe United Nations in fighting climate change. Join an environmental action
group. I am a member; they really do make a difference! Adopt a lifestyle that cuts
greenhouse gases – walk, cycle and eat less meat.
