Living in Displacement in the Climate Emergency: Refugees and Climate Shocks

Refugees are often disproportionately exposed to climate shocks. They also often endure reduced rights, and may have fewer resources with which to adapt. Despite this, little research has been conducted into the effects of the climate emergency on refugees, limitations to their adaptive capacity, and ways of best supporting them in the context of increasing climate-related challenges.

On May 30, 2024, Refugees International and the Center for Global Development hosted a webinar on this urgent issue, featuring case studies and lessons from experts, as well as potential policy solutions to mitigating harms. An audience Q&A followed. 

Opening Remarks

Sam Huckstep, Research Associate, Center for Global Development

Moderator

Jocelyn Perry, Senior Advocate and Program Manager, Climate Displacement Program, Refugees International

Speakers

Evan Easton-Calabria, Senior Researcher, Tufts University

Jason Gagnon, Senior Economist/Head of Migration and Skills Unit, OECD Development Centre

Ayoo Irene Hellen, Partnership Officer, Last Mile Climate

Jamon van den Hoek, Associate Professor, Oregon State University

Qiyamud Din Ikram, Alumni Fellow, Refugees International

Lillian Kilwake, Gender and PSEA Programme Specialist, United Nations Children’s Fund

Atle Solberg, Head of Secretariat, Platform on Disaster Displacement

Michelle Yonetani, Senior Policy Officer, Office of the Special Advisor to the High Commissioner on Climate Action, UN Refugee Agency