No Escape: Climate Change, Conflict, and Displacement
By Christine Amour-Levar
What happens when climate change intensifies conflict and forces communities to flee their homes? Vulnerable populations, often excluded from climate action frameworks, face immense challenges in adapting to an ever-warming world. From empowering women in the Gobi Desert to supporting sustainable livelihoods for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, initiatives are making strides—but systemic barriers to climate financing persist. Explore the urgent need for equitable solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.
As I read the UNHCR report “No Escape: On the Frontlines of Climate Change, Conflict, and Forced Displacement,” I was deeply moved by its stark depiction of the challenges faced by communities living at the intersection of climate crises and conflict. Through my journeys across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, I’ve seen these realities firsthand and I’ve learnt invaluable lessons about resilience, inequity, and the urgent need for action.
Personal Stories from the Frontlines
During an expedition to Mongolia this year, I witnessed firsthand the impact of climate change on local communities. As we trekked through the harsh terrain of the Gobi Desert, we partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) there to support initiatives aimed at empowering local women and preserving biodiversity. The funds we raised went toward programs for sustainable livestock management, handicraft training for women, and community-led conservation efforts. It was a stark reminder of how fragile ecosystems and the people who depend on them are being pushed to their limits by climate change.
In the Philippines, over the past few years, I’ve met women displaced by Typhoon Haiyan, who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and communities. Despite the devastation, their determination to rebuild was humbling. However, like many displaced people, they were excluded from broader climate action frameworks, making their road to recovery even harder.
Another poignant moment came in Siberia in 2015, where my team and I lived alongside the Nenets reindeer herders. These indigenous people rely on their deep connection to the environment for survival, but climate change is threatening their way of life. Rising temperatures are melting the permafrost, disrupting migratory routes, and altering the tundra's fragile ecosystem, which their reindeer depend on for grazing. Unseasonal weather patterns and thinning ice make traditional practices like herding and migration increasingly dangerous and unpredictable, putting their centuries-old way of life at risk. Their story echoes the broader theme of the report: the people least responsible for climate change are often the most affected.
The Urgent Need for Inclusive Climate Financing
The UNHCR report reveals critical gaps in climate financing, with funds often failing to reach displaced populations, host communities, and those in fragile or conflict-affected regions. To address this, the HER Planet Earth team undertook a triple challenge in the Swiss Alps in 2023, raising essential funds for Rohingya refugees in UNHCR camps in Bangladesh.
The funds supported livelihood programs for youth, focusing on sustainable practices such as reforestation, waterway restoration, and drainage system improvements. These efforts have already reduced flooding risks in the camps, while also equipping young people—most of them girls—with skills and knowledge to rebuild their lives. These youths are now championing regreening efforts, raising climate awareness, and educating their communities about protecting trees and local wildlife.
However, systemic barriers remain a significant obstacle. Refugees often live in makeshift shelters on deforested, unstable hillsides, vulnerable to severe storms and landslides. Last year alone, flooding and landslides displaced 24,000 refugees in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and equitable solutions.
Catalysing Impact Through Philanthropy and Investment
Through my two NGOs, HER Planet Earth and Women on a Mission, my team and I have consistently worked to amplify the voices of women on the frontlines of climate change and conflict. These philanthropic initiatives have championed projects that empower communities, raise awareness, and drive critical support where it’s most needed.
With Investors for Climate, we are now expanding this mission by bridging philanthropy with private capital to hopefully create even greater impact. This platform directs investment capital toward innovative climate tech startups and sustainable ventures, addressing the urgent needs of emerging markets, displaced communities, and vulnerable populations. By combining resources and expertise, we aim to fund solutions that provide immediate relief while also building long-term resilience and sustainability.
Looking ahead, our focus is on supporting scalable solutions in areas such as energy transition, climate-resilient agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. These multi-pronged approaches ensure that resources reach those in greatest need while fostering innovation to tackle the pressing challenges of tomorrow. By combining philanthropy and investment, we can catalyse meaningful change and foster greater equity and sustainability.
A Call to Action
The UNHCR report is a sobering reminder that addressing climate change must involve those most affected. The voices and leadership of displaced and indigenous communities are critical for shaping effective solutions. Their experiences provide profound guidance on shaping a future that is balanced and inclusive.
This is more than a call to action—it’s a call to reimagine how we tackle climate challenges. By aligning philanthropy with investment, we can create a powerful force for change, ensuring that no one—whether displaced by conflict, climate, or both—is left behind. Together, we can build a future that is just, sustainable, and resilient for all.
