The global refugee crisis is the most severe in years, with more people displaced than ever before. Conflict and war are the most common causes of refugees, but disasters triggered by climate change can also force people to flee their homes.
Displacement caused by natural catastrophes – such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and mudslides – can be especially dangerous because it often involves crossing international borders. Climate change, through its accelerated droughts, desertification, salinization of ground water and soil, and rising sea levels, can also contribute to displacement by directly affecting a person’s ability to work or feed themselves.
Many refugees are trapped in limbo, waiting for some sort of lifeline to be extended to them. This could be as simple as an invitation to settle in a host country, or it may be more complicated – like a resettlement agreement with a third-country.
The challenge for humanitarian agencies is how to respond to these calamities. Early responses typically focus on functional and practical issues, such as meeting basic needs. But when a crisis grows in scope and magnitude, it is more likely that political leaders will view it as a strategic issue tied to their security interests in the refugee-sending and -hosting states.
This can lead to scapegoating and manipulation, as well as reducing the focus on conflict resolution. In addition, limiting the opportunities for legal work, housing, and education can exacerbate refugee vulnerability. As the world continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for global cooperation and support has never been more urgent.