Taking a stand against the climate crisis 

Around the globe, temperatures are continuing to rise at an alarming rate and progress to slow this down is not happening fast enough. One thing is clear, climate change is a global crisis, affecting each and every one of us – no matter who we are or where we come from.

Tragically, climate change is having a devastating and disproportionate impact on millions of refugees and displaced people around the world. Many families forced to flee are living in climate vulnerable “hotspots” and having to adapt to an increasingly inhospitable environment.

But despite the challenges they face, around the world many displaced people are stepping up and taking a stand against the global climate crisis.

From promoting cleaner energy sources, to planting trees, growing food more sustainably and taking action against wildfires, refugees and displaced people are doing what they can to take action against climate change, build resilience in their communities and promote biodiversity.

Here are some of the everyday heroes who are fighting on the frontlines of the global climate crisis.

© UNHCR/Xavier Bourgois

Refugees in Minawao camp, northern Cameroon are holding back the desert by planting trees and promoting biodiversity. The hope is that the “green wall” eventually stretches the width of Africa. Watch the “green wall” taking root here.

© UNHCR/Colin Delfosse

Mauritania is on the frontline of climate change – water sources are drying up and the land is parched. As the sun beats down, wildfires become even more common. But refugees have taken it upon themselves to form a fire brigade to put out wildfires as they start. Learn more about their story here.  

© UNHCR/Kamrul Hasan

Meet Samia. She’s a refugee in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, and an environmental activist. With training from UNHCR she’s championing tree planting, animal protection and educating her fellow refugees about climate change. Watch Samia in action here.

These incredible people show us that no matter who you are or where you come from, each and every one of us can make a difference in the fight against climate change.  

Thanks to the generous support of the public, refugees and displaced people in the most climate vulnerable countries not only receive lifesaving aid, but can also take vital steps to help prepare, prevent and build resilience in the face of the global climate emergency.

However, additional support is critical in helping UNHCR and displaced people to tackle the climate crisis.

Thank you for standing with families forced to flee in the face of this global crisis.