In the low-lying coastal village of Shariatpur in Bangladesh, 45-year-old Amina Begum recalls the night the river swallowed her home. “The water came so fast,” she says, her voice trembling. “We had no time. Everything was gone.” Amina and her family are among the millions in Asia who have been displaced due to the relentless encroachment of rising seas—a phenomenon turning them into climate refugees within their own countries.

The Rising Tide

Asia stands at the forefront of climate-induced displacement. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, from 2010 to 2021, over 225 million internal displacements were recorded in Asia and the Pacific due to disasters triggered by natural hazards, accounting for more than three-quarters of the global total.  

In Bangladesh, a one-meter rise in sea level could displace approximately 37 million people, with the number increasing to 60 million with a two-meter rise.  The World Bank projects that by 2050, there may be as many as 19.9 million internal climate migrants in Bangladesh.  

Indonesia: Sinking Cities

Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, is grappling with a dual threat: rising sea levels and rapid land subsidence. Some areas of the city are sinking at a rate of up to 43 millimeters per year, exacerbating the impacts of sea-level rise.  Recognizing the imminent danger, the Indonesian government announced plans to relocate the capital to East Kalimantan on Borneo island—a monumental endeavor aimed at mitigating the risks posed by Jakarta’s environmental challenges. 

The Philippines: Storms and Surges

The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, faces relentless typhoons and storm surges. In 2020 alone, 4.4 million Filipinos were internally displaced by disasters across the nation.  Coastal communities, such as those in Tacloban, still bear the scars of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, which displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives. 

Children on the Frontlines

Children are disproportionately affected by climate displacement. Between 2016 and 2021, East Asia and the Pacific experienced an estimated 19 million child displacements linked to weather-related disasters, representing more than 44% of the global total.  Displacement disrupts education, healthcare, and the foundational stability crucial for a child’s development.

The Global Context

The phenomenon of climate-induced displacement isn’t confined to Asia. The World Bank’s Groundswell report indicates that climate change could force 216 million people across six world regions to move within their countries by 2050.  However, Asia’s dense populations and extensive coastlines make it particularly susceptible.

The Unseen and Unheard

Despite the staggering numbers, many of Asia’s climate refugees remain invisible on the global stage. The term “climate refugee” lacks formal recognition in international law, complicating efforts to provide aid and resettlement options. Most displaced individuals move within their own countries, often to urban areas ill-equipped to handle sudden population influxes.

Looking Ahead

Addressing climate-induced displacement requires a multifaceted approach:

• Infrastructure Investment: Enhancing the resilience of at-risk communities through improved infrastructure can mitigate displacement.
• Policy Frameworks: Establishing legal recognition and protections for those displaced by climate change is crucial.
• International Support: Global collaboration is essential to provide financial and technical assistance to vulnerable nations.

For Amina Begum and countless others, the waters have already risen. Their stories underscore the urgent need for action. As the tides continue to encroach, the world must not only bear witness but also respond with compassion and resolve.