Why the Urgency?
“Policy decisions made today will determine whether migration becomes a matter of choice amongst a range of adaptation options, or merely a matter of survival due to a collective failure by the international community to provide better alternatives.” – In Search of Shelter.
By 2050, an estimated population of 10 billion faces often unsurvivable disruptions to vital ecological and social systems unless we aggressively and immediately address the climate crisis.
- 1.2 billion people risk displacement due to climate change and extreme weather
- 75% of the world population face the possibility of severe water shortages
- Food insecurity will be rampant unless crop yields increase by 70%
- Over 1/3 of all plant and animal species face extinction
- Malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress will cause 250,000 additional deaths annually
- With average global temperatures minimally rising by 2°C -3°C, the disappearance of the Arctic ice cap could obliterate global ocean circulation
- Mega-droughts, devastating heat waves and flooded coastal cities will jeopardize the lives of billions
- Up to $106 billion worth of coastal property will be below sea level
- Floods, other water-related disasters could cost the global economy $5.6 trillion
- Five billion people will suffer from food insecurity
- Major glaciers worldwide could disappear by 2050
A healthy regenerated co-existence between the planet and the people remains possible. If we take aggressive action now.