Urgent Warning: 19 Million At Risk of Climate Displacement by 2050—Insights from Prof. Tasneem Siddiqui

Climate change is a pressing issue, especially for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. Migration expert Prof. Tasneem Siddiqui highlighted that nearly 19 million people may be forced to leave their homes due to climate-related challenges by 2050. This grim forecast was shared during a workshop focused on the National Strategy on Internal Displacement due to Climate Change, hosted by the Refugee and Migratory Movement Research Unit (RMMRU).

The workshop introduced the National Strategy, crafted by the Bangladeshi government, along with its accompanying National Action Plan for 2022-2042. Prof. Siddiqui pointed out that while many action plans exist, most struggle with implementation due to budget limitations. She stressed the importance of government funding to make this strategy effective.

Current resources and public awareness are vital. Many citizens affected by environmental changes, like river erosion, are suffering. Nazrul Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, described the severe conditions faced by these individuals, stating, “They have no homes, no sanitation, and no access to clean water.” He called for urgent housing solutions to improve their lives.

Bangladesh has taken significant steps on the international stage as well. At the COP26 Climate Conference in 2021, the country presented its National Strategy to the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). This prompted requests for a standard template to aid other CVF countries in developing their own strategies for managing internal displacement.

As climate-related issues worsen, the need for action becomes more pressing. Recent data from the World Bank indicates that climate change could push over 140 million people into migration by 2050 in various regions, including South Asia. This emphasizes the broader impact of climate change and the need for global collaboration and immediate intervention.

KM Abdul Wadud, additional secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, mentioned that the strategy and action plan will be up for review by June. The hope is that, with committed resources and focused strategies, life can improve for those at risk of displacement.

In the face of these challenges, it’s essential for both local and global communities to come together, not just to strategize, but to implement real changes that can provide safety and stability for vulnerable populations in Bangladesh and beyond.

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