Event
27 May 2021

Migration, Environment, And Climate Change In Africa: Using Migration Data To Formulate Policy Responses

Forced displacement is emerging as the human face of the climate crisis. There is broad global consensus that the impending climate crisis threatens sustainable development and could critically affect people, including through increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, water scarcity, reduced crop yields, rising sea levels, and health and sanitation problems. In particular, the climate crisis is emerging as a key driver of forced displacement and migration. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 200 million people worldwide could be forced to leave their homes for climate-related reasons. A 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that Africa will experience a rise in average temperatures faster than the global average during the 21st century. Africa, which population is projected to double to 2.5 billion people by 2050, will be profoundly affected by climate-forced mobility as its sheer scale could intensify competition over scarce natural resources and endanger peace, stability and prosperity in fragile situations throughout the continent. This could have serious implications on the evolution of African cities and villages.

Accurate data on this type of migration for the entire continent is a prerequisite for assisting current and future climate migrants.

Moderated by: Marie-Luce BiaZafinikamia, IOMs Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC), Impact Evaluation Officer.

Speakers:

  • Professor Mo Hamza, Centre for Risk Assessment and Management (LUCRAM) Lund University.
  • Dr. Koko Warner, Manager, "Impacts, Vulnerability, and Risks" subprogramme, Adaptation Programme at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • Reshma Cunnoosamy, IOMs Global Migration Data Analysis Centre (GMDAC), Data Analyst GMDAC.

Presentations: