Solutions

While international law still has no clear solutions to this problem, there are a lot of people that are helping. There are refugee services in places like Austin that can help these people, but there is a potential that these organizations will no longer be able to operate due to a loss of federal funding. Countries like Fiji and New Zealand have also experimented with “humanitarian visas” for these climate refugees, and in the US people can be granted “Temporary Protected Status” if they are displaced due to environmental disasters. It is very common for these displaced people to stay within the borders of their own countries, so places like Columbia and Indonesia are experiencing an increase in internal displacement.  

There are an abundance of Organizations online that are doing their best to educate the world on this problem and raise money to help those affected. Some of these organizations are Climate-Refugees.org, World Vision, and The UN Refugee Agency. All of these organizations are doing amazing work and helping those in need. 

There are small ways in which everyday people can help. For one, just becoming aware of this issue and spreading the word can do a lot of good. Additionally you can donate to organizations that are working directly to help these refugees, even a small donation can go a long way. You can also sponsor a child or family that is currently going through difficult times and displacement due to climate change. You can petition and vote for laws that cut down on Carbon Emissions and help aid people that are displaced by climate related disasters. Individuals can cut down on their own carbon emission by utilizing more public transportation, eating less meat, buying clothes second hand, recycling and reusing materials and switching to renewable energy sources if you can. 

Finally if you live in an area that may be impacted by these disasters make sure to prepare yourself and your family in case of emergency. Make a plan for what you would do in case of a flood or fire. Fortify your home by reinforcing doors, windows and roofs so they can withstand extreme weather events. Prepare emergency kits with flashlights and first aid kits, as well as food and water. Take action quickly if the weather is projected to be bad, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Overall, make sure of the risks that come with living in certain areas, and if you have to, consider relocation.