Environmental immigration 'major problem'
People forced to abandon homes and countries due to environmental pressures a "major emerging global problem"
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Thursday, 09, Oct 2008 09:26
People forced to abandon their homes and countries due to environmental pressures are a "major emerging global problem", it has been claimed.
The warning comes as delegates prepare to start a three-day conference on environmental migrants in Bonn, Germany.
It is estimated that by 2050 200 million people will have been displaced by environmental factors.
In contrast to economic migrants – the majority of whom are young and seeking employment – environmental migrants mainly constitute poorer people, especially women, children and the elderly.
"All indicators show that we are dealing with a major emerging global problem," said Janos Bogardi of the United Nations University.
"The issue of migration represents the most profound expression of the inter-linkage between the environment and human security."
Among the key issues being debated in the conference are recognition of environmental immigrants and the future of Bangladesh, a low-lying country especially vulnerable to sudden sea level rises and disasters.
Emergent problems in a host of countries, including Vietnam, Spain, Ghana, Niger, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tuvalu, Argentina, Ecuador and Mexico will also be discussed.