The world is witnessing an unprecedented challenge as climate change accelerates, uprooting millions from their homes. Droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and other climate-related impacts are not only reshaping ecosystems but also forcing people to migrate in search of safety and opportunity. By 2050, projections indicate that millions could become climate migrants unless decisive action is taken.
In Bangladesh, the effects of rising seas are already devastating livelihoods. Coastal regions are grappling with saltwater intrusion, which renders fertile farmland barren. As a result, families are abandoning their rural homes and flocking to urban hubs like Dhaka, hoping to secure a more stable future. But Dhaka, like many other cities, is struggling to accommodate this influx, creating additional challenges related to housing, infrastructure, and resources.
Claudia Huerta, a representative of C40 Cities, a global network of mayors dedicated to climate action, sheds light on this growing crisis. “The majority of climate migrants move internally within their own countries,” she explains. “And within that, a majority of them move into cities specifically because that’s where more jobs are, more housing, more opportunities.”
A report by C40 Cities and its partners examined the future of climate migration in 10 major cities, including São Paulo, Brazil; Accra, Ghana; and Dhaka, Bangladesh. The findings were sobering: by 2050, an estimated 8 million people could move to these cities due to the impacts of climate change if global emissions are not significantly curbed.
However, there is hope. The report underscores that if the international community meets the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, the number of displaced individuals could be dramatically reduced. Transitioning to renewable energy, enhancing climate resilience, and implementing sustainable urban planning are crucial steps to prevent further displacement.
Cities, while being at the forefront of receiving migrants, also hold the key to innovative solutions. Urban leaders are developing strategies to expand affordable housing, improve infrastructure, and create job opportunities that can support both existing residents and incoming migrants. At the same time, rural areas prone to climate impacts require investment in adaptive technologies, such as salt-tolerant crops and sustainable water management, to mitigate the need for migration.
The situation highlights an urgent truth: climate action is no longer a choice but a necessity. By addressing the root causes of climate change and fostering resilience, we can reduce the number of people forced to leave their homes and ensure a more equitable future for all. The decisions made today will shape the livelihoods of millions by 2050.
