New name, same mission! LIRS is now Global Refuge. Learn more.

New name.
Same mission.

LIRS is now Global Refuge.

Welcoming newcomers since 1939.

See Our Evolution

The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Immigration and Asylum

Global Refuge Calls for Climate Displacement Solutions on Earth Day

Global Refuge logo

Global Refuge Staff

April 21, 2021

Contact: Timothy Young | timothy.young@globalrefuge.org | 443-257-6310

Washington D.C. – 51 years after the inaugural Earth Day, where 20 million people took to the streets to demonstrate for environmental protection, the impacts of climate change continue to worsen.

The climate crisis will increasingly affect human beings in profound ways – notably through the large-scale displacement of individuals, families, communities, and in some cases, entire nations. Despite escalating climate change-fueled hurricanes, mega-fires, and prolonged droughts projected to displace up to 340 million people over the next 30 years, there exists no legal framework to allow those displaced by climate change to apply for humanitarian protection.

Global Refuge calls on the U.S. government to take bold action to mitigate future damage and protect those who inequitably suffer the consequences of climate disasters. The following is a statement by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge:

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It has emerged as destructive a force as war, violence, and persecution. After decades of failing to act, we now face the reality that an alarming proportion of migration is driven by climate. While we cannot prevent all of the cascading climate impacts around the globe, we, as the largest historical emitter of carbon pollution, must take responsibility for it.

Both short-term and long-term migration solutions must be designed. For those temporarily displaced by a sudden onset disaster, the Administration and Congress should leverage options like Temporary Protected Status. For those whose homelands disappear or become uninhabitable, permanent solutions like refugee resettlement, will be especially critical.

We commend the Biden administration for its executive order on climate change and migration, which requires the exploration of resettlement options for the climate-displaced. We urge President Biden to act on those findings and pioneer the world’s first legal framework to protect children and families who have lost their only home to the climate crisis. It’s not only in our national security interest; it’s our moral responsibility.”

More resources at lirs.org/climate

The Latest

  • Press Release · Refugee Resettlement

    September 30, 2024

    U.S. Resettles Most Refugees in Three Decades, Maintains FY 2025 Refugee Cap at 125,000

    The White House announced today that President Biden has officially signed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Presidential Determination on refugee admissions, maintaining the annual cap at 125,000 refugees.

    Read More
  • News

    September 26, 2024

    How to Talk to Your Kids About Immigration

    Learn how to talk to your kids about immigration from Global Refuge.

    Read More
  • News

    September 26, 2024

    Supporting Empowerment: A Donor’s Story

    "Matt is a proven leader, he understands the economic strength refugees bring to our communities, and he has compassion for welcoming newcomers,” said Jon Buuck, Global Refuge Senior Philanthropic Advisor. “We could not ask for a better partner in the work of welcome.” 

    Read More
  • News · Community Engagement

    September 25, 2024

    Global Refuge on WYPR: Combatting Misinformation about Immigrants

    Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of Global Refuge, joins WYPR for a discussion on the spread of misinformation about immigrants.

    Read More
  • Press Release

    August 19, 2024

    Global Refuge urges thoughtful immigration discussion at DNC

    We hope to hear a robust commitment to policies that respect the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, prioritize family unity, and reflect the enormous contributions these newcomers make

    Read More

Share