New study shows that few climate refugees actually leave their home countries

New research conducted by the International Organization for Migration shows that people who have been affected by natural disasters do not commonly migrate to more financially developed countries to escape the effects climate change - contrary to claims by previous results.

The report claims that “countries expect to manage environmental migration internally, with the exception of small island states that in some cases have already led to islands disappearing under water.” The report highlights that particular countries, which already have high emigration rates, could experience climate-related disasters which would impact food production, amongst other things. The countries include Bangladesh and Afghanistan, as well as a number of Central American, West African and South East Asian countries.

The report does imply that, although many people would like to emigrate, lack of money would force them to stay in their native country. Further and more consistent investigation is needed, says the report, before enough data could be gathered to give a clearer picture of climate-related migration and how to plan ahead for such issues.

(Reuters)

Published: Tuesday, 8th December 2009 by Tom Freeman

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