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Climate Change: The Impact of a Warming Planet on Displacement – Millions Forced to Leave Their Homes | Global News

“Climate Crisis in Somalia: How Extreme Weather is Fueling Conflict and Displacement”

Somalia is a country that is facing multiple challenges, from ongoing conflict to extreme weather events that are becoming more unpredictable. The country has a high level of poverty, with 68% of the population living on less than $2 a day in 2017, according to World Bank figures.

One of the major issues facing Somalia is the severe drought that has been ongoing for many years. While the drought may not have caused as many displacements last year, experts warn that it could lead to longer-term migration and conflict as land suitable for farming and pasture becomes scarce. Droughts in Somalia frequently result in the displacement of people affected by famine.

In addition to droughts, Somalia also experiences heavy rains during the annual Gu rains, which often lead to flash flooding. However, the effects of these rains are said to be worsening, with climate change being identified as a key driver. The World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal predicts that the probability of droughts, high temperatures, and heavy rains will increase in the future, with rainfall occurring less frequently but in more extreme events.

Professor Yahya Amir Hagi, an economics lecturer from the University of Mogadishu, has witnessed the impact of climate change on his village, Masagaway. He described how the village was once thriving, but droughts caused the livestock to die, leading people to cut down trees for charcoal. The shifting sand dunes eventually covered half of the village, forcing residents to move three kilometers away in search of a better life.

Dr. Andrew Yaw Tchie, a senior researcher with NUPI, has studied how climate change is impacting displacement and migration in Somalia, leading to conflicts over resources and weakening security. He found that changes in planting seasons and the inability to harvest crops due to lack of rain can trigger conflicts between communities, with groups like al Shabaab exploiting the situation.

The Somali government recognizes that climate change is becoming a driver of instability in the country. The director general of environment and climate change for the Office of the Prime Minister, Ahmed Yusuf Ahmed, highlighted the threat that climate change poses to Somali communities’ livelihoods, fueling grievances and providing opportunities for terrorist organizations.

Hawo Osman Abdi, a mother of nine children, was forced to flee to an internally displaced persons camp in Mogadishu due to flooding and war. She shared her harrowing journey to safety, losing everything in the floods and emphasizing the importance of using the environment wisely to prevent further disasters.

Overall, Somalia is facing a complex set of challenges, from poverty and conflict to the impacts of climate change. Addressing these issues will require a coordinated effort from the government, international organizations, and the global community to ensure the safety and well-being of the Somali people.

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