Global warming will create 'climate change refugees'
Millions of climate change refugees will result from the impact of global warming on water
supplies in poor countries unless urgent action is taken, says a new report from Christian relief and development agency Tearfund.The report, Feeling the Heat, states that there are already an estimated 25 million ‘environmental refugees’ around the world, and that this figure is likely to increase as rain patterns continue to change and floods and storms become more frequent. It cites examples of where the exodus has already begun:
- Poor crop yields are forcing more and more Mexicans to risk death by illegally fleeing to the USA.
- One in five Brazilians born in the arid north-east of the country are moving to avoid drought.
- The spread of the Gobi desert, at a rate of 4,000 square miles a year, is forcing the populations of three provinces in China to abandon their homes.
- In Nigeria, 1,350 square miles of land are turning to desert each year. Farmers and herdsmen are being forced to move to the cities.
The report states: “There will be millions more thirsty, hungry and ill poor people living in high-risk areas of the world by the end of the century. It makes sense politically, economically and morally, for governments to act with urgency now.”
Says Andy Atkins, Advocacy Director of Tearfund: “One of the most devastating impacts of climate change is on water supply. In some parts of the world, floods, storms and poor rainfall are beginning to have catastrophic effects, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.”
In the report’s Foreword, Sir John Houghton, former Chair of the Scientific Assessment Working Group of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), says that politicians’ strong words on climate change must now be matched by sufficient investment and strong action to cut global emissions, and help for the poorest nations adapt to climate change on their doorstep. A key to this will be helping poorer nations manage existing water supplies better.
Says Sir John: “If your house is on fire, do you urgently try to save it, or throw your hands up in despair and walk away? Well, the house is on fire and it requires much more determined efforts to bring it under control and put it out. The UN climate change conference in Nairobi is an opportunity for failings to be addressed. Time is running out on us and Governments need to act much more responsibly, effectively and quickly.”
