Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present reality, reshaping lives and landscapes across Africa. As extreme weather events intensify, millions are being forced to flee their homes, creating a growing population of environmental refugees. These individuals are displaced not by war or political conflict, but by the devastating effects of climate change.
The Climate Crisis and Forced Displacement
Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change, despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, desertification, and flooding are making many regions uninhabitable. According to reports, weather-related disasters have caused 220 million internal displacements globally over the past decade. In Africa, the number of people displaced by extreme weather events increased by 600% between 2009 and 2023.
Regions Most Affected.
Drought-Affected Areas
- Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya) – Experiencing prolonged droughts, leading to food and water shortages.
- Sahel Region (Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso) – Desertification is expanding, making agriculture increasingly difficult.
- Madagascar – Southern Madagascar has faced severe droughts, causing widespread hunger.
Flood-Prone Areas
- Mozambique – Cyclones and heavy rains have led to devastating floods, displacing thousands.
- Nigeria – Seasonal flooding affects communities along the Niger River, destroying homes and crops.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – Heavy rainfall has caused frequent flooding, worsening disease outbreaks.
Coastal Areas Facing Rising Sea Levels
- Senegal – Coastal erosion threatens fishing communities and infrastructure.
- Egypt (Nile Delta) – Rising sea levels are salinizing farmland, reducing agricultural productivity.
- Tanzania – Coastal cities like Dar es Salaam are increasingly vulnerable to flooding.
Regions Facing Extreme Heat
- Sudan and South Sudan – Rising temperatures are making water scarcity worse.
- Botswana and Namibia – Extreme heat is affecting livestock and agriculture.
- Zimbabwe – Heatwaves are intensifying, impacting food security.
These regions highlight the widespread impact of climate change across Africa. You can find more details in reports from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNFCCC, and Africa Policy Research Institute.
Legal and Political Challenges
Despite the growing number of environmental refugees, international law does not formally recognise them as refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Africa has some of the most progressive legal frameworks for protecting displaced individuals, but implementation remains weak due to limited resources and political barriers. Without legal recognition, environmental refugees struggle to access aid, resettlement programs, and basic rights.
The Path Forward
To address this crisis, African nations must:
- Strengthen climate adaptation strategies – Investing in sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and disaster preparedness.
- Enhance legal protections – Expanding refugee policies to include climate-induced displacement.
- Promote regional cooperation – Countries must work together to develop solutions for cross-border migration caused by climate change.
The rise of environmental refugees is a stark reminder that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a humanitarian crisis. As Africa grapples with these challenges, global support and policy reforms will be crucial in ensuring that displaced communities find safety and stability.
References
- Forced displacement related to the impacts of climate change – UNHCR
- How climate change impacts refugees and displaced communities – USA for UNHCR
- Environmental Change and Forced Migration – Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford
- 17 out of the 20 countries most threatened by climate change are in Africa – United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
- Climate Change Is an Increasing Threat to Africa – UNFCCC
- Climate Change Impacts in Africa: the Effects on Key Sectors in the Nine Most Vulnerable Countries – Africa Policy Research Institute
Author: Allen Kemigisa
Communications & Research Intern
