GENEVA, Switzerland, November 11, 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- As world leaders gather for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) calls for more solutions concrete and sustainable for the communities most affected by the effects of climate change.
Adaptation and resilience measures to climate change must be taken in favor of populations who wish to remain in their regions of origin, ensuring that their livelihoods can be preserved and that they can recover from the effects of climate change. climate change.
“We need to find better ways to help people and communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change, to ensure that those in vulnerable situations have the opportunity to adapt and thrive,” he said. said Amy Pope, Director General of IOM.
Climate migration is not just a concern for the future, it is a present reality for millions of people around the world, DG Pope stressed. Last year alone, more than 26 million internal displacements due to disasters were recorded (IDMC GRID 2024).
For example, in the Horn of Africa, recurring droughts and flash floods have pushed entire communities, including pastoralists and smallholder farmers, to move in search of water and pasture. In Bangladesh, rising sea levels and frequent cyclones have led to the displacement of coastal populations, forcing families to migrate to urban areas in search of stability. Separately, parts of Central America have experienced severe droughts that have decimated agricultural livelihoods, forcing thousands of people to move in search of work and resources. These examples show that climate migration is an urgent problem today, affecting diverse populations on all continents.
Around the world, climate change is impacting how and why people move. It encourages some to move to find employment because its effects alter their livelihoods. In extreme cases, communities facing the devastating effects of climate change and no longer able to adapt are forced to move to safer areas. It is important to put in place solutions that protect and support populations who want to stay, those who move and those who must or want to move.
Migration should also be integrated into climate solutions, and plans developed should consider consultation with migrants, DG Pope added.
“Their innovative ideas and diverse perspectives contribute to the development of a sustainable economy that is fair and inclusive for all,” she said.
At COP29, IOM committed to making underrepresented voices heard more. In its pavilion on climate change and human mobility, all participants will have the opportunity to hear the stories of resilience of climate migrants, to discover the solutions proposed to climate migration by young people thanks to the 24 young delegates on migration climate, and to engage in discussions with experts on the impacts of climate change on human mobility.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for the World Bank.
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Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-11-11 10:39:00
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**Interview with Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Amy. As COP29 unfolds in Geneva, what are the key messages IOM wants to convey regarding climate migration?
**Amy Pope:** Thank you for having me. At COP29, we want to highlight the urgent need for concrete and sustainable solutions for communities affected by climate change. Millions are already facing the effects of climate-related displacement. It’s crucial that we develop adaptation strategies that allow people to stay in their regions and maintain their livelihoods.
**Editor:** You mentioned resilience. Can you elaborate on what specific measures IOM is advocating for?
**Amy Pope:** Absolutely. We need to focus on building resilience within vulnerable populations. This includes investing in infrastructure that supports water supply, agriculture, and disaster preparedness. Our goal is to ensure that communities can recover from climate impacts and continue to thrive.
**Editor:** The statistics are striking—over 26 million internal displacements due to disasters last year alone. What areas are most affected, and how can the international community respond?
**Amy Pope:** Regions like the Horn of Africa, Bangladesh, and Central America are experiencing severe impacts from climate change, leading to displacement. The international community must prioritize funding for adaptation and recovery efforts in these regions. It’s not just about addressing future migration; it’s about responding to a present crisis.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of integrating migration into climate solutions. Could you explain how migrants can contribute to sustainable development?
**Amy Pope:** Certainly. Migrants bring innovative ideas and diverse perspectives that can enhance local economies. By including them in discussions about climate change solutions, we can develop fair and inclusive strategies that benefit everyone. Their experiences can inform more effective policies.
**Editor:** At COP29, how is IOM ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard?
**Amy Pope:** We have created a pavilion that showcases the stories of climate migrants and the innovative solutions proposed by young delegates focused on migration and climate issues. This is an opportunity for dialogue, and we’re engaging with experts and participants to ensure these voices are not just heard but acted upon.
**Editor:** What is your hope for the outcome of COP29 regarding climate migration?
**Amy Pope:** My hope is that COP29 will catalyze real action—not just conversations. We need commitments to support vulnerable communities, address displacement, and integrate migration into climate action plans. If we can achieve that, we’ll be on a path toward meaningful solutions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Amy, for shedding light on these critical issues. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these pressing global challenges.
**Amy Pope:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we all work together for a sustainable future.