Global efforts to address climate change are once again being faced with the harsh realities of mass displacement caused by weather as the biennial United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) comes to an end in Baku, Azerbaijan.
By the end of 2023, weather-related disasters had displaced at least 6.6 million people globally, according to the 2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement.
At least 20.3 million forced relocations occurred during the year, with many people being moved more than once, mostly as a result of floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires.
Natural catastrophes like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that cannot be directly linked to climate change also caused the displacement of an extra 1.1 million people.
“It is anticipated that the number of individuals requiring humanitarian aid will increase.”
