How Does Climate Change Affect Migration?
Climate change has many well-known destructive effects, such as melting ice caps, rising sea levels, the destruction of wildlife habitats, an increase of extreme weather conditions, and even an increase in the likelihood of widespread disease. One problem that is less publicised, however, is climate-caused displacement. Here’s what you need to know about how climate change affects migration.
What is the correlation?
There is plenty of evidence that shows the link between migration and climate change issues such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels. In March 2019, Tropical Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique, leaving 146,000 people displaced. In the Pacific Islands, the rising sea level has left eight islands submerged, with two more soon to follow. In 2017, approximately 22.5–24 million people were displaced by sudden-onset weather events such as flooding, storms, and forest fires.
