Climate Change forced people to flee 8 million times

Water-related disasters due to climate change forced people to flee their homes nearly eight million times in ten of the world’s worst-hit countries in 2023, a stark 120% increase from a decade ago, according to a new report by Oxfam.

Released on World Refugee Day, the report underscores the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, who are also experiencing severe hunger as a result.

KEY FINDINGS

Oxfam’s analysis, based on data from the Global Internal Displacement Database, reveals a dramatic rise in displacement caused by floods and droughts in countries like Somalia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, India, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Malaysia. In these countries, displacement events surged from 3.5 million in 2013 to 7.9 million in 2023.

Climate change has intensified and increased the frequency of these disasters. Recorded flood and drought events in the ten worst-hit countries skyrocketed from 24 in 2013 to 656 in 2023. Somalia alone experienced 223 flood or drought events in 2023 compared to just two in 2013. Similarly, the Philippines saw an increase from three to 74 events, Brazil from four to 79, and Malaysia from one to 127 events over the same period.

IMPACT ON HUNGER AND FOOD SECURITY

The report also highlights a nearly threefold increase in severe hunger levels in five of the worst-affected countries. In Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan, and Somalia, the number of people suffering from acute hunger rose from 14 million in 2013 to over 55 million in 2023.

“Climate injustice is rife,” said Nuzhat Nueary, Oxfam Water Insecurity and Climate Policy Coordinator. “From the scores dying from scorching heat in Bangladesh to the thousands forced to flee floods in Pakistan, it is the most vulnerable people – and those least responsible for the climate crisis – who are bearing the brunt, while rich polluting nations continue to do too little too late to help them.”

CASE STUDIES: COUNTRY-SPECIFIC IMPACTS

Somalia

Somalia has experienced a significant rise in temperature (1.5°C, up from 1°C in 1991), leading to more frequent and prolonged droughts, flash floods, and cyclones. Despite contributing less than 0.03% of global carbon emissions, Somalia has faced billions of dollars in losses from recurring floods and droughts. The recent Deyr rainy season, following five consecutive drought seasons, resulted in massive flooding that displaced 1.2 million people and killed 118. The compounded impact of these disasters, ongoing conflict, political instability, and economic shocks has left nearly half of Somalia’s population in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

“I lost all my animals to the drought. I fled on foot with my children, and it took me three days to get to Baidoa. It was a difficult journey. I had no food or water for my children. Some got sick along the way,” said Hassan Mohamed, a displaced father in Baidoa, Somalia.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, unpredictable cyclones and other water-related disasters displaced more than 1.8 million people in 2023. These events have caused severe damage to infrastructure, including schools and markets. Despite contributing only 0.56% of global carbon emissions, Bangladesh faces significant challenges due to climate change.

“We have lost our homes four times due to cyclones. We are still in debt for having taken a house loan. Our son is our only earning member, but he struggles to find any work in the area,” said Asgor Kha and Moriom from Lebubunia village in Satkhira, Bangladesh.

CALL TO ACTION

Nueary highlighted the necessity of international cooperation and financial support. “Ending people’s suffering is possible. Rich polluting nations must cut emissions and provide adequate climate finance to countries most impacted by the climate crisis so that they can cope better and rebuild after climate shocks.”

Nueary calls for immediate action, stressing the importance of funding the new loss and damage scheme. “This is not a courtesy gesture but an obligation for the damage they have caused. With proper funding, the most impacted nations can develop early warning systems and other measures to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change, and can free up resources to invest in social protection to help people cope.”

She also underscores the importance of including local communities in decision-making processes. “Local communities on the frontline of climate response, and vulnerable groups – especially women, youth, and indigenous communities – have already championed solutions, and must be at the heart of climate decisions, funding, and action.”

Oxfam’s report highlights the urgent need for global action to address the climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. The dramatic increase in water-related displacements and severe hunger underscores the importance of cutting emissions, providing climate finance, and supporting local solutions to ensure resilience and sustainability for those most affected by climate change.

As the world observes World Refugee Day, the message is clear: the time to act is now, and it is the responsibility of the global community to support and protect those who are most vulnerable.