UN Warns Climate Risks Threaten Three-Quarters of Displaced People
Nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people, or three-quarters of the global total, live in countries highly exposed to climate hazards.
In Brief
- •Nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people, or three-quarters of the global total, live in countries highly exposed to climate hazards.
- •Climate change is making lasting solutions harder to find for displaced people, with two-thirds of those who returned home in the first half of 2026 going back to vulnerable countries.
- •Weather-related disasters have caused over 255 million internal displacements worldwide in the past decade, with climate finance for these regions at only 10% of global climate finance.
Why It Matters
The report highlights the double injustice faced by displaced people, who are already vulnerable due to conflict and violence, now also facing severe climate-related hazards. This situation underscores the need for urgent action to protect these populations and integrate them into global climate plans. The findings also emphasize the urgent need for increased climate finance to support these regions, as current levels are insufficient to address the growing threats.
Key Details
- Displaced People in Climate Hazard Zones
- 90 million
- Percentage of Global Displaced People
- 75%
- Percentage of Refugees Returning to Vulnerable Countries
- 67%
- Internal Displacements Due to Weather-Related Disasters
- 255 million
- Percentage of Climate Finance for Fragile Regions
- 10%
Context & Background
The report comes ahead of the COP31 climate summit in Turkey, where UNHCR will call for greater inclusion of displaced populations in national climate plans and financing mechanisms.
What To Watch
The COP31 climate summit in Turkey, where UNHCR will call for greater inclusion of displaced populations in national climate plans and financing mechanisms.
Original Reporting & Sources
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