Who are climate refugees?

Climate refugees are individuals who are compelled to leave their homes because of severe climate-related events or changes that threaten their livelihoods, health, or security. This can include displacement caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, or rising sea levels, which are increasingly common due to climate change.

These refugees often face challenges in securing safe shelter, food, and access to basic services in their new locations, as their relocation is generally not voluntary but rather a necessity for survival. Understanding this term is crucial in discussions about global migration trends, environmental policies, and humanitarian responses to climate change, highlighting the urgent need for strategies to address the impacts of climate-related disasters on vulnerable populations.