By 2050, there could be more than 200 million climate-displaced people worldwide.1,2
Super storms, floods, hurricanes and droughts are already forcing people all over the world to leave their homes in search of a safer place to live. Many are seeking refuge in the United States, but the Trump administration is turning a majority away.By 2050, there could be more than 200 million climate-displaced people worldwide.1,2
Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Nydia Velázquez introduced legislation that would allow climate refugees to safely enter the United States and re-settle here.3 This legislation is the first of its kind, offering a humanitarian solution to a growing global crisis. Speak out now to help us build a groundswell of support for this important bill.
In the powerful words of Rep. Velázquez, the Climate Displaced Persons Act will "not only reaffirm our nation's long standing role as a home to those fleeing conflict and disasters, but it will also update [that role] to reflect changes to our world brought on by a changing climate."4 It would:
- Allow 50,000 climate-displaced people to resettle in the United States at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
- Direct the secretary of state to create a federal position in charge of developing a "global climate resilience strategy."
- Direct the president to track and maintain data on climate related displacement.
As we continue to fight for laws that will ultimately make our communities cleaner and more sustainable, the reality is that we also need laws that address the human cost of climate disasters head on. Women, children, people of color and indigenous communities bear the brunt of climate catastrophes. Showing Congress that there is massive support for the Climate Displaced Persons Act would help build momentum for humanitarian solutions that put the health, safety and well-being of people first.
The United States is more than equipped to help resettle climate-displaced people. But Trump and his climate-denying administration are using hate and fear to shut down our borders and attack immigrants and refugees. As climate change continues to threaten the livelihoods of communities around the world, it's more important than ever that we push for laws that address this crisis directly. Will you add your support for The Climate Displaced Persons Act now?
Tell the House: Make the United States a leader in fighting climate change and its consequences. Click the link below to sign the petition:
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References:
- Baher Kamal, "Climate Migrants Might Reach One Billion by 2050," Inter Press Service, Aug. 1, 2017.
- Scott A. Kulp and Benjamin H. Strauss, "New elevation data triple estimates of global vulnerability to sea-level rise and coastal flooding," Nature Communications, Oct. 29, 2019.
- Jessica Corbett, "'We Have to Get This Right': Historic Bill in US House Would Create Specific Protections for Climate Refugees," Common Dreams, Oct. 24, 2019.
- Rep. Velázquez, "Velázquez Introduces Historic Bill to Protect Environmental Migrants," Oct. 23, 2019.
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