Global Warming Migration May Create 'Climate Exiles'

The Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development (FIELD) says the effects of unchecked global warming may create groups of "climate exiles" – migrant communities left homeless by turbulent environmental conditions and unprotected by international refugee laws.

 

"Migration in itself is not bad," said Joy Hyvarinen, a director of FIELD. "But migration forced by climate change is a tragedy and the international legal framework needs to be adjusted to help climate exiles and deal with statelessness and compensation."

 

The United Nations reported in June that 200 million people could be displaced by midcentury, citing the International Organization for Migration.