People fleeing war, violence, and persecution are increasingly finding themselves at the intersection of conflict and climate change, facing compounded threats without adequate funding or support, according to a new report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The report, No Escape: On the Frontlines of Climate Change, Conflict and Forced Displacement, released today in collaboration with 13 expert organizations and refugee-led groups, reveals how climate shocks exacerbate the already dire conditions faced by over 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.
Of these, three-quarters live in countries heavily affected by climate change, while half reside in regions simultaneously impacted by conflict and serious climate hazards, such as Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria. The report forecasts a sharp rise in the number of countries facing extreme climate-related hazards, increasing from three today to 65 by 2040, many of which host displaced populations.
“For the world’s most vulnerable people, climate change is a harsh reality that profoundly affects their lives,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “The climate crisis is driving displacement in regions already hosting large numbers of people uprooted by conflict and insecurity, compounding their plight and leaving them with nowhere safe to go.”
A Lethal Combination of Threats
In Sudan, millions have fled the ongoing conflict, including 700,000 who crossed into Chad—a country that has hosted refugees for decades but is among the most climate-vulnerable nations. Those remaining in Sudan face further displacement as severe flooding devastates the country.
Similarly, Bangladesh, home to 72% of Myanmar’s refugees, frequently grapples with extreme climate hazards like cyclones and flooding, leaving refugees at heightened risk.
Grace Dorong, a climate activist and former refugee in South Sudan, emphasized the urgency of addressing the intersection of climate change and displacement: “In our region, where so many people have been displaced for so many years, we see the effects of climate change before our very eyes. If decision-makers listen to us, we can be part of the solution, too.”
Climate Financing Falls Short
The report highlights a glaring gap in climate financing for fragile states. On average, these countries receive just $2 per person annually for climate adaptation, compared to $161 in non-fragile states. Moreover, 90% of the limited funding that does reach these regions is funneled into capital cities, leaving other vulnerable areas neglected.
UNHCR is using the ongoing COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, to call for increased climate finance targeting displaced populations and host communities. It also urges policymakers to include refugees and their hosts in finance and decision-making processes.
“The climate emergency represents a deep injustice,” Grandi stated.
