The Impact of Climate Change on Forced Migration and the Sustainable Development Goals

While political instability, persecution, violence, armed conflict, poverty, resource scarcity, and food insecurity are drivers of migration, climate change is a significant contributor to the crises as well. By 2050, it is estimated that over 200 million people will be affected by displacement due to climate-related disasters. Climate change exacerbates other root causes, creating a ‘pull’ factor that leads people to flee their homes. Forced migration is not a choice, but a last resort for those who have exhausted every other option.

Climate change and related disasters are already displacing people across every continent. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that by 2050, 1 to 2 billion people will be forced to migrate due to the effects of climate change. Climate-related disasters are intensifying in frequency and severity due to global warming, leading to significant displacement. In particular, rising sea levels, desertification, land loss, erosion, extreme weather events, floods, and droughts are affecting populations and forcing them to migrate.

The Sustainable Development Goals and Forced Migration

 

The global community has identified the Sustainable Development Goals as a key way to reduce poverty, promote education, and ensure access to health care and sustainable livelihoods. These goals are closely linked to the issue of forced migration, as the SDGs can reduce the underlying causes of this phenomenon, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The World Bank estimates that achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals will require a total of $152 billion per year for the next five years. This amount is significantly greater than current levels of investment to address the root causes of forced migration and climate change. By increasing investment in health care, education, energy, technology, and infrastructure, countries and governments can create more sustainable, equitable, and resilient systems that can prevent people from being forced to leave their homes due to climate change.

This increase in development spending can create more economic opportunities and protect vulnerable people when disasters strike. With adequate financing, governments, NGOs, and partners around the world can reduce forced migration through better planning and comprehensive risk management. It is essential to invest in the Sustainable Development Goals in order to build resilience and prevent displacement because of climate change. The global community must come together to ensure that we can protect vulnerable people and reduce the severity of the impacts of climate change.

The IIHS firmly believes that global collaboration is essential to address all forms of human security.  Governments, NGOs, and partners need to come together to ensure adequate advocacy and action.