Climate change could force more than 200 million from homes: UN migration chief

Summary

• Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration, warned that climate change could displace over 200 million people while nations spend billions on border security.
• IOM data indicates that climate-related disasters forced nearly 30 million people to flee their homes in 2025.
• Pope emphasized the need to connect climate action with migration policy rather than treating the issues in separate silos.
• She argued that funding adaptation measures, estimated at $310 billion, is more humane & cost-effective than responding to irregular migration after it occurs.
• Current funding for climate adaptation stands at approximately $30 billion, which Pope stated is far below the required amount.
• Pope expressed regret over the absence of many heads of state from the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, urging comprehensive global engagement.
• Military evacuations of people from floods in Vietnam occurred on October 8, 2026, illustrating the immediate displacement impacts of extreme weather.