Global Warming to Contribute to Rising Numbers of Environmental Refugees

A study by the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research found that rising global temperatures have been a key factor in increasing drought worldwide. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels are believed to be the main factor behind the rise in atmospheric concentrations and global temperatures. Nearly three times as much carbon was released in 2004 as in 1960.

War and oppression aren't the only reasons that peoples are uprooted from their lands. Although overall numbers of recognized international refugees declined in 2003, there is still cause for concern. As climate change translates into more intense storms, flooding, heat waves, and droughts, more and more communities will likely be affected. Desertification, for example, puts some 135 million people worldwide at risk of becoming environmental refugees.

Vital Signs
Purchase a print version or electronic PDF of Vital Signs 2005.

References
"Climate Change Indicators on the Rise," in Vital Signs 2005, pp. 40-41
"Number of Refugees Declines," in Vital Signs 2005, pp. 66-67

Links
Goddard Institute for Space Studies, http://www.giss.nasa.gov/
UNHCR http://www.unhcr.ch/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home/