Refugee Settlements Are Highly Exposed to Extreme Weather Conditions


Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Author(s): Sonja Fransen, Anja Werntges, Alexander Hunns, Mikhail Sirenko, and Tina Comes

Date: 2024

Topics: Climate Change, Disasters, Humanitarian Assistance

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Refugee settlements are often located in countries most vulnerable to climate variability. This article provides a systematic analysis examining the exposure to slow- and rapid-onset events of the 20 largest refugee settlements worldwide. The authors find that refugee populations in the settlements are highly exposed to extreme weather conditions, particularly low rainfall, high temperatures, and extreme rainfall (in the case of Bangladesh). This high level of exposure, in combination with often-limited abilities to cope and adapt, enhances the vulnerability of already-marginalized populations and their host communities, and reduces their ability to create sustainable livelihoods. Climate adaptation and sustainable development policies should therefore strive for the inclusion of displaced populations, in order to create equitable sustainable development pathways in refugee-hosting countries.