Leaders in West and Central Africa are urging for increased funding to tackle climate change’s severe impacts. Floods, droughts, and environmental damage are forcing many people to leave their homes, altering migration patterns and displacing communities.
Sylvia Ekra, the IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa, emphasizes, “Climate change affects where and how people live. We need to act swiftly to provide real solutions and funding to those most at risk.” She stresses that migration should be a safe option rather than a last resort.
At a conference in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 12-13, governments and partners created a roadmap to protect livelihoods and assist communities in adapting to climate challenges. These climate shocks are already changing how people live. By 2024, around 2 million people in West and Central Africa may be displaced due to disasters—about 20% of the world’s total.
Environmental issues like desertification and rising sea levels are putting additional pressure on communities. The World Bank projects that by 2050, up to 32 million people in the region could be forced to relocate within their own countries due to climate change.
The conference also noted positive actions across the region. Many countries that updated their climate plans are now addressing migration and displacement. Côte d’Ivoire and Mauritania recently joined the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change, raising the total to 33 African countries committed to these issues.
Nana Dr. Antwi-Boasiako Amoah, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators, stated, “Climate-related migration is now a key priority. We need to align policy progress with reliable data and accessible funding. This will enable investments in solutions that reduce risks and protect livelihoods.”
Participants called for improved early warning systems, enhanced support for local adaptation efforts, and better access to climate funding for affected communities. These recommendations come as global climate negotiations, including the UNFCCC and COP31 in Türkiye, approach.
The Lagos Conference was co-hosted by Nigeria and supported by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Climate Change and Migration Data Programme.
In 2022, environmental disasters displaced over 23 million people globally, highlighting the urgency of addressing this crisis. As climate challenges grow, a swift, cooperative response is essential for safeguarding vulnerable communities.
For more insights on this topic, check the World Bank’s report on climate displacement here.
