Displacement and Climate Change

Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a humanitarian crisis. As extreme weather events become more frequent, vulnerable communities, including refugees and displaced populations, bear the brunt of its devastating impact. Rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and resource scarcity fuel displacement, conflict, and suffering.

At the Ireland Refugee Board (IRB), we recognize the intersection of climate change and forced displacement and are committed to addressing its challenges through adaptation, environmental risk reduction, and sustainable operational approaches. Our work focuses on delivering tangible solutions that protect displaced communities while advocating for systemic changes to ensure climate justice and resilience.

Climate Crisis and Displacement: The IRB Perspective

Climate change disproportionately affects displaced populations. Over 40% of the global population resides in regions highly vulnerable to climate-related hazards. However, displaced individuals and host communities—particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas—experience the most severe impacts despite contributing the least to climate change.

IRB’s Approach to Climate-Induced Displacement

With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of natural hazards, displaced populations face heightened risks that threaten their security, livelihoods, and well-being. IRB operates in regions where both conflict and climate change converge, recognizing that these dual crises demand an integrated response.

Core Areas of Focus

Climate Adaptation: Enhancing resilience within displacement-affected areas through community-driven adaptation strategies.
Sustainable Operations: Reducing IRB’s carbon footprint by implementing environmentally friendly practices and promoting access to clean energy for displaced populations.
Advocacy and Policy Influence: Ensuring the inclusion of displaced populations in climate financing and global climate action policies.

Advocacy and Global Engagement

IRB actively engages in climate-related humanitarian efforts, leveraging its expertise to advocate for sustainable solutions for displaced communities. Our participation in global platforms ensures that the voices of the most vulnerable populations are represented in policy discussions and decision-making processes.

Key Advocacy Networks and Collaborations

Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Sub-Group on Climate Change – Contributing to policy discussions on the intersection of climate change and displacement.
UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) Processes – Engaging in Conferences of the Parties (COP) to advocate for climate justice for displaced populations.
Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations – Aligning with global commitments to environmentally sustainable humanitarian action.
Environment and Humanitarian Action (EHA) Network – Promoting environmental responsibility in displacement responses.

Data and Research: Strengthening Climate Response

IRB is committed to evidence-based policymaking and programmatic interventions. Our data-driven approach helps forecast climate-induced displacement patterns and informs strategies to mitigate risks.

Research and Data Monitoring Initiatives

Tracking Disaster Displacement: Analyzing trends and predicting future displacement caused by climate change.
Developing Resilience Strategies: Collaborating with governments and organizations to create data-backed policies that support at-risk communities.
Early Warning Systems: Enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms through robust climate risk assessments.

Expert Deployment and Capacity Building

To support climate resilience and risk mitigation efforts, IRB deploys specialized experts to assist governments, regional institutions, and humanitarian organizations in developing climate adaptation strategies.

Key Areas of Expertise

Meteorology and Hydrology – Improving climate forecasting and early warning systems.
Disaster Risk Reduction – Strengthening institutional capacity to manage climate-related displacement.
Sustainable Development – Promoting clean energy solutions and environmentally friendly displacement responses.

Partnerships for Climate Action

IRB collaborates with leading international organizations to strengthen its response to climate-induced displacement. Through strategic partnerships, we advocate for durable solutions that protect displaced populations from the long-term consequences of climate change.

Key Climate Change Partners

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Ensuring the protection of climate-displaced persons.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Addressing migration trends linked to climate change.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – Enhancing climate risk monitoring and response.
Refugees International – Advocating for policy changes that support climate-displaced communities.
United Nations University – Conducting research on climate resilience and displacement.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Climate Resilience

Climate change is a defining challenge of our time, with profound implications for displaced communities worldwide. IRB remains dedicated to mitigating its impact by championing sustainable solutions, advocating for the inclusion of displaced populations in climate action, and fostering resilience through data-driven policies and expert-driven interventions. Our mission is to ensure that those most affected by climate change receive the protection, resources, and support they need to build a more secure and sustainable future.