Millions of refugees are trapped by the recurring effects of conflict and severe climate change, the United Nations said. They called on the COP30 summit to provide funding to those most at risk.
Currently, nearly half of the world's refugees are in areas at high risk of storms, floods, and extreme heat. In the past 10 years, approximately 250 million have been forced to flee their countries due to weather disasters.
According to UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi, the extreme weather is destroying homes and livelihoods, and forcing families to flee again. “Many of them have already experienced great losses, and now they face the same hardships again,” he said.
It is estimated that by 2050, the world's 15 hottest refugee camps in Gambia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Mali will experience nearly 200 days of extreme heat per year. Many areas could become uninhabitable due to the combination of extreme heat and high humidity.
Funds are falling behind refugees, especially from the US, which used to be the leading donor. “Climate financing is needed for communities at risk,” Grandi said. There is an opportunity in areas that need environmental restoration, as it can create jobs and strengthen local resilience.
