Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap
With a population that is constantly expanding, problems surrounding climate change have become a major source of concern. Worldwide, countries are facing environmental changes that are having profound effects on the populace and each region’s economy. This essay will explain what is meant by the term climate change refugee, how governments determine whether or not an individual should be classified as an environmental refugee and which countries are most at risk from climate change. It will also examine the question of who is responsible for climate change refugees, what mitigation strategies are currently in place and what future proposals are being considered.
Climate change refugee is a relatively recent term that has come into use more frequently since scientists became aware of global warming. The first refugees of the 20th century came about as a result of the First World War when millions of people fled their countries in search of a safe place to live. Governments at the time responded by creating international agreements on how they could best manage the influx of people to their countries. As future wars and internal conflicts continued over the remainder of the 20th century these guidelines were revised to adapt to the growing numbers of refugees and the problems associated with their flight. Strict guidelines were set in place to allow governments to determine who should be granted refugee status. The 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the only global guidelines for dealing with refugees. It states: “a refugee is defined as a person who is outside his or her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail him or herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution” (UNHCR 2011, p.3)
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With a population that is constantly expanding, problems surrounding climate change have become a major source of concern. Worldwide, countries are facing environmental changes that are having profound effects on the populace and each region’s economy. This essay will explain what is meant by the term climate change refugee, how governments determine whether or not an individual should be classified as an environmental refugee and which countries are most at risk from climate change. It will also examine the question of who is responsible for climate change refugees, what mitigation strategies are currently in place and what future proposals are being considered.
Climate change refugee is a relatively recent term that has come into use more frequently since scientists became aware of global warming. The first refugees of the 20th century came about as a result of the First World War when millions of people fled their countries in search of a safe place to live. Governments at the time responded by creating international agreements on how they could best manage the influx of people to their countries. As future wars and internal conflicts continued over the remainder of the 20th century these guidelines were revised to adapt to the growing numbers of refugees and the problems associated with their flight. Strict guidelines were set in place to allow governments to determine who should be granted refugee status. The 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the only global guidelines for dealing with refugees. It states: “a refugee is defined as a person who is outside his or her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail him or herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution” (UNHCR 2011, p.3)
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