Science commentary: Addressing the human cost of displacement in a changing climate

Disasters induced or strenghtened by climate change, like droughts, floods or uncontrollable wildfires, cause people to leave their homes all the time. For each additional degree in average global temperatures, there is a 50 per cent increase of displacement risks due to floods alone. Scientists are only beginning to assess displacements triggered by other impacts of climate change, such as coastal erosions, changing weather patterns or worsening living conditions for vulnerable communities in general. Something that has not been quantified is the human cost of disaster displacement, now and in the future. The highest economic impacts usually stem from the loss of income and the need to provide displaced people with shelter and healthcare. While many countries have begun to plan for the risk of extreme events in one way or the other, most governments do not account for displacement risks and their associated costs in national development plans and annual budgets, although impacts can add up to billions of dollars worldwide. In their commentary, the team of scientists led by IDMC´s Bina Desai calls for more comprehensive risk assessments, investments in disaster risk reduction and lasting solutions for people who have lost their homes or land.