The U.S. crop yields will drop significantly. Estimates suggest that under a business-as-usual scenario, by 2100,
wheat yields could drop 20 percent, maize by 40 percent, soybeans 40
percent, causing global spikes in food prices. The rising seas, with more intense storms and worsening drought,
could create climate refugees. In fact, we are seeing climate refugees
already form small island states. The United States is already facing
the reality, with many of these people from around the globe, that
several communities in low-lying coastal areas in Alaska and Louisiana
are in the process of relocating to higher ground. It is happening
right now, where you are seeing evacuations from coastal areas that are
no longer habitable. Regarding climate refugees, I would like to quote Pope Francis. He
said:
Many of the poor live in areas particularly affected by the
phenomenon related to warming, and their means of subsistence
are largely dependent on natural reserves and ecosystem
services such as agriculture, fishing and forestry. They have
no other financial activities or resources which can enable
them to adapt to climate change or to face natural disasters. Their access to social services and protection is very
limited. The Pope continues:
There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants
seeking to flee from growing poverty caused by environmental
degradation. They are not recognized by international
conventions as refugees; they bear the loss of the lives they
have left behind, without enjoying the legal protection
whatsoever. Sadly, there is widespread indifference to their
suffering, which is even now taking place throughout our
world. All of this--and perhaps lastly--it is this global insecurity that
will grow.
Keywords matched
migrants refugees