
Climate Displacement
Our Work
Each year, climate and weather-related events drive tens of millions of people from their homes. And as climate change causes more extreme weather, growing food insecurity, and rising sea levels, more people will become climate displaced.
People who lose their homes in these disasters are not considered “refugees,” and thus are not afforded the same international protections. Refugees International is leading efforts to address this enormous gap in international law, build resiliency in frontline communities, and forge innovative protection pathways for people displaced by climate.
History of Our Climate Displacement Program
Since 2009, Refugees International’s Climate Displacement Program has advocated for climate-displaced people and offered cutting-edge expertise on the complex relationship between extreme weather, climate change, and displacement.
The Climate Displacement Program was the inspiration of Refugees International’s late president Ken Bacon, who witnessed what happened when persistent drought fueled ethnic tensions in Darfur—sparking one of the worst conflicts in recent history. With a founding gift from Ken and generous contributions from the Bacon family and a core group of supporters, the Climate Displacement Program became a reality shortly after Ken’s death.
Latest Reports
Latest Statements and News

Urgent Humanitarian Action Needed Following Storm Daniel and Flooding in Libya
September 13, 2023

Leaders of Refugee, Policy Organizations Call on Biden Administration to Prioritize Climate Impacted Populations for Resettlement
September 8, 2022

IPCC Report Warns of Climate Crisis’ Impact on Displacement, Humanitarian Emergency
February 28, 2022
Latest Opinions
Protections for Climate-Affected Refugees and Other Climate-Displaced Populations Dear President Biden
September 7, 2023

Letter: Leaders of Refugee, Policy Organizations Call on Biden Administration to Prioritize Climate Impacted Populations for Resettlement
September 8, 2022

Climate, Migration, and Displacement Platform Open Letter to President Biden
March 30, 2021
Latest Events
Latest Perspectives
Featured Image: People are seen in a drought affected area in Mandera, Kenya on December 02, 2022. © Gerald Anderson/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Take Action
Support Afghans Seeking Safety
Afghans evacuated to the United States deserve permanency and security to rebuild their lives here. Congress must pass the Afghan Adjustment Act.
