UN Climate Warning 2026: Nearly 90 Million Displaced People Face Severe Climate Risks Ahead of COP31
NEWS BG TODAY | 6 November 2026 | World News & Climate Change
United Nations Warns of Growing Climate Emergency for Displaced People
Nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people are living in countries exposed to serious climate-related hazards, according to a new report from the United Nations refugee agency.
The findings, released on Friday, 6 November 2026, highlight how extreme heat, drought, flooding and other environmental threats are worsening conditions for people already affected by conflict and displacement.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that nearly three-quarters of the world's forcibly displaced population live in countries facing severe climate risks.
The warning comes just days before the COP31 United Nations climate conference, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November.
UNHCR is calling for greater investment in climate adaptation, particularly in countries struggling with conflict, poverty and humanitarian emergencies.
The report raises urgent questions about refugee protection, access to clean water, the safety of returning populations and the international funding available to vulnerable communities.
UN Climate Crisis 2026: Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Report date | 6 November 2026 |
| Organisation | UNHCR |
| Displaced people exposed to climate risks | Nearly 90 million |
| Share of global displaced population | Nearly three-quarters |
| Major threats | Flooding, drought and extreme heat |
| COP31 location | Antalya, Türkiye |
| COP31 dates | 9–20 November 2026 |
| Refugee returns to climate-exposed countries | More than two-thirds in H1 2026 |
| Sub-Saharan refugee settlements facing dangerous heat | Potentially one in three by 2050 |
| Potential East African flood displacement | Up to 3 million by end of 2026 |
| Climate finance reaching fragile or conflict-affected countries | Approximately 10% |
Figures are attributed to UNHCR. Future displacement and heat-exposure estimates are projections, not confirmed outcomes.
Why Are Nearly 90 Million People at Risk?
People displaced by conflict frequently face difficult living conditions.
Many have lost their homes, livelihoods and access to essential services.
Some live in temporary settlements where reliable electricity, clean drinking water and adequate shelter are limited.
Extreme weather can make these conditions more dangerous.
Flooding may destroy shelters and contaminate water supplies.
Drought can reduce access to food and drinking water.
High temperatures can create serious health risks, particularly for children, older people and those with existing medical vulnerabilities.
The UNHCR report highlights how environmental hazards can compound the difficulties caused by war and displacement.
Importantly, the figure of nearly 90 million refers to displaced people living in climate-exposed countries. It does not mean that climate change caused all 90 million people to flee their homes.
Climate Change and Conflict Create a Double Crisis
Conflict and climate change are separate problems, but their effects can overlap.
War can damage infrastructure, weaken public services and reduce a country's ability to respond to disasters.
Climate hazards can then place additional pressure on already vulnerable communities.
For example, a region affected by conflict may struggle to repair flood defences or maintain water systems.
A prolonged drought may also make it harder for displaced families to find reliable sources of food and water.
The result can be a cycle of instability in which communities face multiple risks simultaneously.
UNHCR argues that climate adaptation must become a central part of humanitarian planning.
Sudanese Refugees Face Severe Water Shortages in Chad
The report highlights the experience of a Sudanese refugee who fled fighting in al-Fashir in June 2023.
She sought safety in the Farchana refugee settlement in eastern Chad.
However, the settlement faces increasingly difficult environmental conditions.
According to the account included in UNHCR's report, the refugee sometimes struggles to obtain safe drinking water for extended periods.
Nearby seasonal water sources are becoming less reliable as heat and dry conditions intensify.
Families may have to travel longer distances to find alternative supplies.
The example demonstrates that escaping armed conflict does not necessarily mean escaping danger.
Refugees may find themselves facing a new set of environmental challenges in the places where they seek protection.
Syria's Returning Families Face New Climate Threats
UNHCR also warns that climate change is complicating efforts to help displaced people return home.
Nearly four million displaced people have recently returned to Syria, according to the agency.
However, many communities face worsening water scarcity and unpredictable rainfall.
Flooding along the Euphrates River in May 2026 damaged homes and forced thousands of people to move again.
These conditions can make recovery more difficult.
Families returning after years of displacement may need to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and access essential services.
Extreme weather can disrupt that process.
The report warns that more than two-thirds of refugee returns during the first half of 2026 were to countries highly exposed to climate hazards.
This raises concerns about whether those returns can remain safe and sustainable.
Extreme Heat Could Threaten African Refugee Settlements
One of the report's most concerning projections involves extreme heat in sub-Saharan Africa.
UNHCR estimates that by 2050, approximately one in three refugee settlements in the region could experience at least 100 days of dangerous heat annually.
Some locations could face even more severe conditions.
In parts of Ethiopia, including the Helaweyn refugee settlement, dangerous heat could persist for more than 200 days each year.
Such temperatures could increase risks of heat-related illness and premature death.
Refugees may be particularly vulnerable because access to cooling, reliable electricity and safe water can be limited.
However, these estimates describe potential future conditions under climate projections.
They do not mean that every settlement will necessarily experience the predicted number of dangerous days.
East Africa Faces Potential Flood Displacement
The UN agency has also raised concerns about a potentially powerful El Niño event.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern involving changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures that can influence weather conditions around the world.
Its effects vary by region and event.
UNHCR warned that severe flooding could displace up to three million people across Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda by the end of 2026.
This is a risk estimate rather than a confirmed displacement figure.
The warning highlights the importance of early preparation, weather monitoring and humanitarian coordination.
Communities already facing poverty or insecurity may have fewer resources to protect themselves against extreme weather.
Afghanistan and Bangladesh Among Exposed Countries
The UNHCR report identifies Afghanistan and Bangladesh among countries where displaced populations face serious climate-related risks.
Afghanistan has experienced prolonged humanitarian challenges alongside drought and other environmental pressures.
Bangladesh faces risks from flooding, cyclones and extreme weather.
Large displaced populations can be particularly vulnerable when housing and essential services are limited.
The specific risks differ between countries.
However, both examples demonstrate why climate adaptation needs to account for people who have already been forced from their homes.
Why Is Climate Funding So Important?
Climate adaptation involves measures designed to reduce the damage caused by changing environmental conditions.
These may include stronger flood protection, improved water infrastructure, heat-resistant shelters and early-warning systems.
Such investments can help communities prepare for dangerous weather.
However, many fragile and conflict-affected countries have limited financial resources.
UNHCR says only about 10% of climate finance reaches fragile or conflict-affected countries.
This creates a serious challenge because some of the world's most vulnerable populations live in these locations.
The agency is urging governments and international financial institutions to direct more support towards communities facing overlapping humanitarian and environmental risks.
Developing Countries Face a Major Funding Gap
The UNHCR warning follows another United Nations assessment of global climate adaptation finance.
That report identified a substantial gap between the funding developing countries require and the support currently available.
An estimated $305 billion annually is needed for adaptation in developing countries.
However, international funding remains well below that level.
This financial gap can delay investments in flood protection, water security and resilient infrastructure.
For displaced communities, inadequate funding can mean greater exposure to environmental hazards.
The challenge facing governments is not only to increase available resources but also to ensure that support reaches communities with the greatest needs.
What Is COP31?
COP31 is the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The conference brings together governments, international organisations and other participants to discuss global climate action.
The 2026 summit is scheduled for Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November.
Major discussions are expected to include climate finance, adaptation, emissions reduction and support for vulnerable countries.
UNHCR wants the needs of refugees and displaced people to receive greater attention during these negotiations.
The agency argues that climate policies should recognise the challenges facing populations affected by conflict and displacement.
What Could Governments Do?
Governments and international organisations have several options for reducing climate risks in displacement-affected communities.
Investment in water infrastructure could improve access to safe drinking water during droughts.
Flood-resistant shelters and drainage systems could reduce damage during heavy rainfall.
Heat-protection measures may help vulnerable populations cope with extreme temperatures.
Early-warning systems could also give communities more time to prepare for dangerous weather.
However, adaptation programmes must reflect local conditions and involve the communities they are intended to support.
Long-term protection requires cooperation between humanitarian agencies, national governments and development organisations.
Why Does This Matter to the Rest of the World?
The humanitarian consequences of climate change extend beyond national borders.
Extreme weather can affect food production, public health, migration and economic stability.
Countries already hosting large refugee populations may face additional pressure on public services and infrastructure.
International cooperation is therefore important.
The UNHCR report also highlights a broader question of fairness.
People who have contributed relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions may face some of the most severe consequences of climate change.
Addressing these inequalities is becoming an increasingly important part of international climate discussions.
What Happens Next?
Attention will now turn to COP31 in Türkiye.
UNHCR is expected to press governments and climate-finance institutions to improve support for displaced populations.
The agency wants climate adaptation measures to reach fragile and conflict-affected areas more effectively.
Governments will face pressure to demonstrate how their climate commitments can translate into practical protection for vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations will continue monitoring weather-related risks in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The immediate priorities include water security, flood preparedness and protection from extreme heat.
Final Thoughts
The United Nations' latest warning highlights the growing connection between climate change and humanitarian displacement.
Nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people are living in countries exposed to serious environmental hazards.
Flooding, drought and extreme heat are making already difficult living conditions more dangerous.
The report also warns that climate risks can undermine the ability of refugees to return home safely.
With COP31 approaching, UNHCR is calling for greater international investment in climate adaptation.
The central challenge is ensuring that vulnerable communities are not overlooked as governments negotiate their climate priorities.
The coming summit will provide an opportunity for world leaders to address the needs of people facing both displacement and environmental insecurity.
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Editorial note: This article is based on UNHCR findings and Reuters reporting published on 6 November 2026. Figures relating to future heat exposure and displacement are projections. The report does not suggest that all 90 million people were displaced specifically because of climate change.
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