Types of Environmental Refugees and How to Assist Them

While there is no legal definition of an environmental refugee, the International Organization for Migration defines it as someone who moves away from their home due to sudden or progressive change in the environment (IOM).  There are many categories of environmental refugee from this broad definition.  The move can be forced or voluntary; temporary or permanent; internal vs international; and individual or collective (ibid.).

A circumstance that creates an environmental refugee is sea level rise, when persons living at or below sea level are forced to move from the threat of flooding.  Another is drought induced by climate change, when land is no longer arable from changing temperatures or precipitation patterns.  An increase in the frequency of severe weather can also put pressure on people to move, especially in the event of a sudden disaster like a cyclone.  Disasters aren’t always caused by climate change either; migrations caused by earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions all fall under the category of environmental displacement.

Short-term environmental refugees typically attempt to return home as soon as possible, normally from being forced to migrate due to a disaster (Newbold, 205).  Temporary food, shelter, and other assistance may be needed for the displaced population.  Long-term environmental refugees require extra support from needing new homes and jobs.

Internal environmental refugees put a strain on local resources (ibid. 205).  One of their needs is an upgrade in supply chain efficiency, so they will have enough food and water to survive.  International environmental refugees put strain on existing infrastructure and social relations (ibid. 205).  They need support from the government or NGOs to campaign for friendly relations with the local population.  They may also need linguistic and bureaucratic support with the help of translators and immigration lawyers.

Sources:

International Organization for Migration. 2025.  Retrieved March 31, 2025: https://environmentalmigration.iom.int/environmental-migration

Newbold, K. Bruce.  2021. Population Geography: Tools and Issues. Rowman & Littlefield. Lanham, Maryland