Evicted by Climate Change: Confronting the Gendered Impacts of Climate-Induced Displacement
CARE International
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Abstract: Climate-induced displacement is an option of last resort. It preys on those who are unable to adapt to the ecological and social consequences of climate change,whether due to lack of resources or other inequities. For most of these people,climate-induced displacement is triggered by direct physical harm from extreme weather events or slow-onset impacts,but also by indirect consequences on food insecurity and conflict over natural resources and land rights. According to UNOCHA,8 of the world’s worst food crises are linked to both conflict and climate shocksI. Out of the 33.4 million newly displaced people in 2019,70% were due to climate-related disastersII. Over the past 10 years (2008-2018),90% of the people displaced by disasters (approx. 23 million people per year) have had weather-related triggers. The vast majority of those forced from their homes as a result of climate change live in developing countries. Responsible for less than 4 % of climate change-causing greenhouse gases,these countries lack resources to support alternative forms of climate adaptation - such as drought-resistant seed varieties,floodwater management and early warning systems. And developed countries are collectively failing to live up to their promise to deliver 100 billion USD in new and additional climate finance as part of the Paris Agreement.