Scientists estimate that there could be 1.2 billion “climate refugees” by 2050—a term that refers to the increasing number of migrants who are forced to flee their homes because of floods, drought, wildfires, and other climate-related disasters. Extreme weather, rising seas, and damaged ecosystems are threatening the lives of millions around the world. This panel, offered as part of the Democracy360 event hosted by the Karsh Institute of Democracy, will discuss various aspects of the climate refugee crisis, including current patterns, opportunities, and challenges to humanitarian aid—and how the future can be impacted by what we know today.
Moderated by Kirsten Gelsdorf, Professor of Practice of Public Policy, University of Virginia and Director of Global Humanitarian Policy, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia.
Panelists include:
- Jonathan Colmer, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Virginia
- David Leblang, Professor of Politics, University of Virginia; Professor of Public Policy, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia; Professor of Public Affairs, Miller Center of Public Affairs, University of Virginia
- Kayly Ober, Senior Program Officer: Climate, Environment, and Conflict, United States Institute of Peace
Hosted and produced by the Environmental Institute and the Humanitarian Collaborative at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.
Democracy360 is hosted by the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy. The Atlantic is the official media partner of Democracy360.
