Climate change could displace 40.5 million South Asians by 2050, UN warns
CLIMATE change could force up to 40.5 million people across South Asia to move by 2050 under a worst-case scenario, as rising seas, floods and droughts threaten homes and livelihoods, the United Nations migration chief has warned. International Organ...
UN migration chief warns that climate change could displace up to 40.5 million South Asians by 2050, as rising seas, floods and droughts threaten homes and livelihoods. IOM director-general Amy Pope discussed the potential for technology and early intervention to help communities adapt before disasters force them to leave their homes.
She cited a recent disaster in Nepal and the acceleration of urbanization in India due to extreme heat as examples of climate pressures. Pope emphasized the need for global urgency in addressing the risks faced by vulnerable communities, stating that the cost of humanitarian disasters far exceeds the cost of investing in resilience measures.
She highlighted the potential of AI forecasting to identify communities most at risk and preventive measures such as improving farming practices, retraining workers, and relocating communities frequently affected by floods or droughts. However, Pope stressed that securing funding for climate adaptation remains a significant challenge for governments.
She also discussed international migration as a tool for development, pointing to South Asia's established migration routes as potential opportunities for expansion.
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