Sharing the Burden
Accepting or rejecting the fact that climate change has been occurring for decades, major disruptions–say, partial or full submersion of places like Bangladesh or New Orleans, Louisiana, both of which have already been dealt serious blows by severe weather events and flooding–have yet to occur. Though the degree to which it will is debated, these events, projected to increase in frequency and severity, will likely force thousands from their homes, further stressing impoverished communities and burdening unstable governments around the globe.
Unfortunately, the richer countries of the world have been unable to truly aid or open their doors to the 43 million people already forced from their homes, according to United Nations refugee chief Antonio Guterres. He stated yesterday:
We need to increase international solidarity and burden sharing. A better understanding and recognition by the international community of the efforts of host countries is absolutely necessary… UNHCR estimates that as many as 800,000 refugees need resettlement, yet the number of places available annually is only 10 percent of that.
Given the likelihood of a rise in widespread droughts and severe weather events, making many places inhabitable throughout this century and next, it’s time we step up to the plate, assume our leadership role and share some of the burden. We can start now and we can start at home, and we can do so by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
