COP29 in Baku: The conclusion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, has once again highlighted the urgent need for global action on climate change, as millions around the world face the devastating effects of weather-related displacement.

The 2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement reveals that by the end of 2023, at least 6.6 million people were displaced due to extreme weather events, including floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires. However, many of these individuals experienced displacement multiple times, contributing to a total of over 20 million forced movements during the year.

In addition to climate-induced displacement, around 1.1 million people were displaced by natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which are not directly linked to climate change.

Experts predict that the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance will continue to rise sharply, especially in countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Countries Most Affected by Climate Change Displacement

The nations with the highest number of weather-related displacements in 2023 were China, with 4.6 million people affected, and the Philippines, which saw 2.1 million displaced. In the Philippines, Typhoon Doksuri, one of the strongest storms of the year, displaced over a million people and caused numerous fatalities.

Africa was also hit hard, particularly Somalia, where 2 million people were displaced due to the worst flooding in decades, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

The impact of extreme weather events is especially severe in communities already vulnerable due to ongoing conflicts, said Ezekiel Simperingham, the global manager for migration and displacement at the International Federation of the Red Cross. These communities face additional challenges in accessing essential aid, which further exacerbates the effects on their health, livelihoods, and well-being.

The Role of Floods and Storms in Displacement

Floods and storms were the primary drivers of displacement in 2023, accounting for 9.8 million and 9.5 million displacements, respectively. Droughts and wildfires were also significant contributors, displacing 491,000 and 435,000 people, respectively. Other weather-related events, including landslides, erosion, and extreme temperatures, added to the total number of displaced individuals.

Increase in Weather-related Displacement Incidents

The rise in weather-related displacement incidents has been alarming over the past 16 years. Since the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) began tracking such events in 2008, the number of incidents has surged. Floods have seen a dramatic increase, with the number of incidents growing from 272 in 2015 to a peak of 1,710 in 2023—more than six times higher.

Storms, including hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons, have also escalated, increasing more than sevenfold from 163 recorded incidents in 2015 to 1,186 in 2023.

Together, floods and storms have accounted for 77% of all weather-related displacement incidents globally between 2008 and 2023.

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