Climate refugees: A mounting strain on modern civilization

Climate refugees, also referred to as environmental migrants or climate-displaced persons, are among the most critical and yet often overlooked victims of the climate crisis. As global temperatures continue to rise, seas encroach on coastlines, droughts cripple agriculture, and natural disasters increase in both frequency and ferocity, millions are forced to leave their homes in search of safety, stability, and sustenance. The world is witnessing an unprecedented scale of forced displacement, much of which is now driven by climate change. The phenomenon of climate-induced displacement is not only reshaping demographics and economies but is also challenging the foundational principles of sovereignty, humanitarian assistance, and human rights.

 

 

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2022 alone, over 32.6 million new displacements were triggered by climate-related disasters, accounting for more than 70 percent of all internal displacements recorded worldwide. Floods, cyclones, and wildfires were the dominant causes, and regions most affected included South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Latin America. The World Bank projects that by 2050, over 216 million people could be internally displaced due to slow-onset climate impacts such as sea-level rise, water scarcity, floods and declining agricultural productivity. In regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, entire communities are being forced to relocate in response to environmental degradation and climate stressors, marking a grim shift in human mobility patterns.

 

 

There are several critical causes behind the exponential rise in climate refugees. One of the most prominent drivers is the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Climate change has amplified natural hazards like hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires, leading to more sudden-onset disasters that render homes uninhabitable. Slow-onset events, including sea-level rise, desertification, and salinity intrusion, also play a major role. These changes gradually erode the ability of communities to sustain themselves, particularly in rural and low-lying coastal areas. Human activities further worsen these challenges. Rapid deforestation, unplanned urbanization, industrial pollution, and the relentless burning of fossil fuels directly contribute to global warming. These anthropogenic actions not only intensify climate change but also degrade ecosystems that once buffered environmental shocks.

 

 

Political inaction and policy failures exacerbate the crisis. Many governments are slow to implement adaptation strategies, and international legal frameworks still do not recognize climate refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This legal gap leaves millions without formal protection or the right to seek asylum based on environmental threats. Additionally, poverty, inequality, and weak governance in climate-vulnerable regions often mean affected populations lack the resources and institutional support needed to cope with or recover from displacement.

 

 

Bangladesh presents one of the most urgent examples of climate-induced displacement. Situated in the delta of three major rivers and with much of its land less than five meters above sea level, the country is extraordinarily vulnerable to climate change. Every year, millions are displaced due to floods, cyclones, riverbank erosion, and salinity intrusion. According to the World Bank, by 2050, Bangladesh could see over 13.3 million people displaced due to climate change-making it the country with the largest number of climate refugees in South Asia. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that nearly 70 percent of all internal displacements in Bangladesh are now climate-related.

 

 

Data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre shows that between 2008 and 2022, over 14 million Bangladeshis were displaced due to natural disasters. The situation is especially dire in coastal regions like Khulna, Satkhira, and Barguna, where rising sea levels and salinity have rendered vast areas of farmland unusable. The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and a natural barrier against storm surges, is itself under threat due to sea-level rise and increased cyclonic activity. As these natural buffers degrade, the frequency and impact of climate disasters grow more severe.

 

 

Multiple factors drive the rise in climate refugees in Bangladesh. The country's geography makes it highly susceptible to tropical cyclones and monsoonal flooding. Climate change has intensified these events, leading to more frequent and devastating disasters. Sea-level rise, projected to submerge 17 percent of coastal land by 2050, is another key driver. Salinity intrusion has affected drinking water and devastated rice and fish farming, destroying livelihoods. Riverbank erosion along major rivers like the Padma, Jamuna, and Meghna displaces thousands each year, fueling a steady stream of internally displaced people into urban centers.

 

 

Bangladesh's socioeconomic structure worsens this vulnerability. A large portion of the population relies on agriculture and fisheries-sectors highly sensitive to climate variability. Poverty, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare make adaptation difficult. As rural livelihoods collapse, people migrate to urban slums in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram, already stretched beyond capacity. The government has initiated several programs for disaster preparedness and resilience, such as the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) and Delta Plan 2100. However, these efforts often fall short of addressing the scale and complexity of displacement.

 

 

The plight of climate refugees in Bangladesh paints a stark picture of suffering and institutional failure. Most end up in urban slums facing overcrowding, poor sanitation, limited clean water, and scarce access to healthcare and education. These slums are often in hazardous areas, exposing residents to further displacement. Women and children are especially vulnerable, facing higher risks of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. A UNODC report highlighted the increased vulnerability of climate-displaced women and children in Bangladesh's coastal regions to human trafficking.

 

 

While Bangladesh has developed strong disaster response mechanisms, it lacks a comprehensive national policy on climate-induced migration. Cyclone Aila struck in 2009, followed by several others. Unfortunately, the damages caused by Aila have not yet been fully addressed-damaged infrastructure remains unrepaired, victims uncompensated, and protection measures unimplemented. In recent years, recurring floods have become common across various regions. Districts like Sylhet, Habigonj, Sunamganj, Noakhali, and Feni face devastating floods annually. Inhabitants are struck by new floods before recovering from previous ones. Hence, despite immense struggle, a large portion will inevitably turn into climate refugees.

 

 

The government's response has been criticized for being reactive rather than proactive. The absence of legal recognition for climate refugees means there are no specific programs aimed at their long-term rehabilitation or integration into society. Resettlement programs like the Ashrayan project have had limited reach and are often plagued by mismanagement and corruption. Additionally, international support has been insufficient, with climate finance commitments from developed countries falling short of the promised levels.

 

 

To reduce the number of climate refugees, a multifaceted and forward-looking approach is required. First, there must be a global recognition of climate-induced displacement as a legitimate ground for asylum. International legal frameworks need to be updated to reflect the new realities of human mobility in the age of climate change. Countries responsible for the highest greenhouse gas emissions must take the lead in providing financial and technical assistance to vulnerable nations.

 

 

In the case of Bangladesh, there is a pressing need to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, especially in coastal and flood-prone areas. Building embankments, improving drainage systems, and restoring mangroves can help mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Agricultural diversification and the promotion of climate-resilient crops can protect livelihoods and reduce the push factors for migration. Access to education and healthcare must be improved in vulnerable regions to enhance the adaptive capacity of communities.

Urban planning must be reoriented to accommodate the influx of climate migrants. This includes the development of affordable housing, expansion of basic services, and creation of job opportunities in secondary cities or suburbs to ease the pressure on major urban centers. Social protection programs need to be inclusive of climate-displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives. Special attention should be given to women and children, who are often the most affected by displacement.

Community-based adaptation strategies also play a crucial role. Empowering local communities to manage resources, prepare for disasters, and engage in decision-making enhances resilience and social cohesion. The government should collaborate with NGOs, civil society, and international organizations to implement these strategies. Climate refugee issues must be part of a broader climate change response-transitioning to renewable energy, enforcing environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable development. Above all, investing in disaster-proof infrastructure must be prioritized. Only by addressing root causes can we stem the tide of climate-induced displacement.

Climate refugees represent one of today's most urgent humanitarian challenges, constantly threatening modern civilization. Their plight is a stark reminder of our global ecosystem's interconnectedness and the human cost of environmental degradation. Addressing this crisis demands urgent, coordinated, and compassionate action at local, national, and international levels. Global leaders must commit politically and financially to this cause before it causes greater harm to humanity.

Without meaningful intervention, climate refugee numbers will continue to rise, threatening social stability, economic progress, and human rights worldwide. We must hope our national and global leaders act swiftly to address the plight of climate refugees and protect our civilization's future.

The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla