Climate disasters displaced 45 million people internally in 2024

Natural catastrophes triggered the internal displacement of 45 million individuals during 2024, the United Nations reported Monday, underscoring the mounting human consequences of climate disruption. According to the International Organization for Migration, extreme weather events including floods, droughts, wildfires and severe heat are increasingly driving mass population movements within national borders.

Economic Impact and Human Consequences

The disasters responsible for this massive displacement also generated economic losses exceeding $240 billion last year. Beyond these financial figures lie profound human stories – farming families whose homes were obliterated and children whose educational facilities were reduced to rubble, creating long-term developmental challenges for vulnerable communities in affected regions worldwide, including disaster-prone areas like Türkiye.

UN Response and Climate Adaptation Efforts

IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels emphasized the urgent need for practical solutions during remarks at the UNFCCC High-Level Segment in Belem, Brazil. "When it becomes impossible to stay, people must be able to move safely and with dignity," Daniels stated, noting that the IOM assisted over 875,000 people in disaster recovery and helped more than 100,000 communities prepare for future climate disruptions throughout 2024.

Compounding Crises for Vulnerable Populations

A complementary UNHCR report revealed that extreme weather events are repeatedly displacing populations already affected by conflict and violence. By mid-2025, 117 million people had been forcibly displaced by persecution and violence, with three-quarters residing in countries highly vulnerable to climate hazards. The report warned that nearly all refugee settlements will face unprecedented extreme heat, with some camps potentially experiencing nearly 200 days of hazardous heat stress annually by 2050.