Shining a Light on Climate Refugees at COP30: Addressing the Voices in the Shadows – FUF.se

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Climate change is forcing more people to leave their homes. This issue is becoming increasingly important in global discussions, especially during the recent COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil.

The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) hoped to spotlight climate migration in these negotiations. They pushed for inclusion in climate plans and finance. However, the agreements made were vague. Important initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable communities didn’t even mention climate migration, highlighting a significant gap.

### Why Does This Matter?

As reported by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC), nearly 9.8 million people were displaced due to natural disasters by the end of 2024. Climate change is making these extreme weather events more common. In fact, a recent UNHCR report revealed that over the past decade, disasters linked to climate change have forced about 250 million people to flee, which breaks down to around 70,000 people every single day.

Additionally, many refugees are seeking safety in countries that are themselves grappling with climate-related challenges. For instance, since April 2023, around 1.3 million people have fled the conflict in Sudan to neighboring nations like South Sudan and Chad, both of which are highly vulnerable to climate impacts.

Despite the urgent need, current laws don’t recognize climate change as a valid reason for refugee status. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, climate issues could force 143 million people to migrate just in Latin America, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

### Proposed Solutions

IOM’s main proposal focuses on improving access to climate finance for migration-related needs. Richer nations are called to support lower-income countries hit hardest by climate challenges. One important plan discussed at COP30 was the “Baku to Belém” road map, aiming to increase global climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

Moreover, the IOM suggested that the Climate Damage Fund, created during COP27, should provide support for those forced to leave due to climate crises, whether temporarily or permanently.

The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) aims to enhance global policy for climate adaptation. IOM advocates that human mobility should be a priority in this framework. Some countries have already started including mobility in their climate action plans, with 18 out of 22 African nations referencing human mobility in their climate adaptation strategies.

### Moving Forward

Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director-General, emphasized, “Every society deserves to adapt and build a safer future. When staying is no longer an option, people must be able to move safely and with dignity.”

As climate change continues to evolve, so too must our understanding and response to the challenges of climate-related migration. It’s essential to create practical solutions that protect lives and foster community resilience.

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This revised content integrates updated insights, reflects a straightforward tone, and emphasizes the importance and urgency of addressing climate-related migration.



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