The case for climate change refugees

It's predicted that by 2030, the world will have more than 50 million climate change refugees. The term “climate change refugees” refers to the people who are forced to migrate because their homes and livelihoods have been destroyed by rising global temperatures or wildfires. This poses a huge challenge to those seeking asylum in neighboring countries to preserve their life and living, as well as to nations opening their doors to the most vulnerable.

New Zealand and Australia are the first ones to consider developing visas for climate change refugees. The humanitarian visa aims to protect those living in areas with rising sea levels and other troubling effects of global warming. The people of Kiribati are under the immense pressure of rising sea levels. Neighbor nation New Zealand can provide humanitarian visas to those urged by the scientists and government leaders to relocate.

Australia received the first wave of climate change refugees from their very own, following the devastating wildfires that burned forests to ashes and claimed the lives of individuals and animals. Those who have evacuated their homes and accepted their fate as refugees stand by their belief that they are the first ones of many.

Australia and New Zealand are paving the way in providing shelter to those threatened by the global warming, shares Janique Goff Madison. While their intentions are pure and noble, there’s still time to reverse the vicious effects of climate change to prevent the incoming massive climate change refugee crisis. It’s paramount to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions while rebuilding forests.