In 2019, weather-related disasters internally displaced more than 23 million people around the world. Refugees International outlines policy advice for the Biden Administration on climate change, migration, and displacement issues.

India and Bangladesh are on a complex road to recovery after a trifecta of crises collided in the region this summer: Cyclone Amphan, unprecedented monsoon flooding, and the spread of COVID-19. Kayly Ober warns that a look at these crises could provide a window into the future of climate-induced disaster—and outlines what must be done to prepare.

As the Atlantic hurricane season starts and more extreme weather events can be expected worldwide, Tropical Cyclone Harold is an essential case study into the collision of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response to climate-related disasters.

The world’s more than 70 million forcibly displaced people—including refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs, and other forced migrants—are among the most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.

Refugees International hosts a keynote address by U.S. Senator Ed Markey followed by a conversation with members of the Climate, Migration, and Displacement Platform who shared stories from the ground and visions of policy and practice for a Biden administration.

In Central America, the threat of climate displacement is becoming more urgent by the day. Swift action from the Biden administration will ensure that the region remains stable and secure in the face of increasing and frequent climate impacts.

A new UNHCR paper on legal considerations for the international protection of people displaced from their homes by climate change and disasters has received little fanfare. But it marks an important step forward for an organization that has been hesitant to make stark pronouncements about climate displacement.

This year, due in part to climate change, scientists predict one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons on record. In the Fair Observer, Kayly Ober warns that this is especially worrying as COVID-19 cases dramatically increase and the pandemic continues to affect the capacity of states to respond to non-coronavirus emergencies.

This time last year, countries in East Africa were leading the continent in economic growth. Now, much of that progress is at risk as the region faces a dangerous triple threat: torrential rain and flooding, voracious swarms of locusts and the coronavirus pandemic.

Climate change and migration dredge up very specific imagery. It is often portrayed in the media as mass hordes of people crossing through barren deserts or Pacific Islanders standing at deteriorating shorelines. But the impact of climate change on human mobility is more complex than that – and its complexity creates barriers to protection. Despite this, there are some pathways forward for the human rights community.

As the world focuses on the response to COVID-19, it is also imperative that we don’t lose sight of other global challenges like climate displacement.

This International Women’s Day, Refugees International is celebrating the strength and leadership of women on the frontlines of displaced communities. Despite the heightened challenges they face on the move, displaced women around the globe are rising up to work toward a better future.

The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) is an important space for stakeholders to come together annually, exchange information, and report on findings and progress. Here are three takeaways from this year’s forum.

Kayly Ober explains the impact of climate change on the displacement of populations and how it should be addressed.

Senior Advocate and Program Manager for the Climate Displacement Program Kayly Ober spoke at the Climate Conflict: Migration panel at the Pearson Global Forum 2020.

The United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth is the UN General Assembly-mandated, official, formal and self-organised space for young people to engage in the UN. Refugees International Climate Displacement Program Manager Kayly Ober joined them for an event on climate migration on the sidelines of the 2020 UN General Assembly.

Refugees International Climate Displacement Program Manager Kayly Ober joined a virtual panel discussion on the Global Compact on Migration Objective 2: "Minimize the Adverse Drivers and Structural Factors that Compel People to Leave their Country of Origin."

SAIS Global Women in Leadership (GWL) hosted Refugees International Senior Advocate for Women and Girls Devon Cone, Refugees International Senior Advocate and Program Manager Kayly Ober, and Founder and Executive Director of Climate Refugees Amali Tower for a conversation on migration and the impact of climate change.

Refugees International announced the launch of an expert task force on climate change and migration in response to an Executive Order (EO) issued by President Biden on February 4.

As climate change-related disasters continue to displace people around the world, we must explore a path forward that not only protects people but gives them options to live safely and with dignity, including through relocation.