The IOM report emphasizes the significant challenges posed by climate change on human mobility in Chad, where increasing natural disasters lead to displacement. The organization collects valuable data through its Displacement Tracking Matrix, aimed at understanding the vulnerabilities of affected populations. However, the existing data remains limited in relation to climate-related migration due to the tools not being specifically designed for this purpose.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlights the critical impact of climate change on human mobility, infrastructure, and livelihoods in Chad, a nation significantly affected by environmental degradation. Increasing occurrences of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures, attributed to climate change, exacerbate situations leading to displacement and migration. With Chad being severely vulnerable to these changes, the depletion of water resources and irregular rainfall patterns threaten the predominantly agrarian and pastoral communities, compelling individuals to migrate. The IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) has become instrumental in gathering data on mobility, vulnerabilities, and needs of displaced populations, although this data collection is not expressly focused on climate-related migration. Therefore, while the dashboard discusses the environmental impacts on human mobility, it offers only a limited scope, as the tools used were not specifically designed for this purpose.
Chad is situated within the Sahel region of West and Central Africa, an area marked by its vulnerability to climate change and environmental shifts. Over recent years, the increased frequency and intensity of environmental hazards have posed significant threats to residents’ livelihoods. As a landlocked nation, Chad faces distinctive challenges, including severe desertification and dwindling freshwater availability. This situation has historically rendered the country as an origin and transit point for various migration flows, yet the lack of comprehensive data presents obstacles to understanding the dynamics between climate change and human mobility.
In conclusion, the effects of climate change on human mobility in Chad are profound and multifaceted, with the increasing risk of natural disasters threatening to displace populations and destabilize livelihoods. The IOM’s ongoing data collection initiatives, such as the DTM, play a vital role in documenting and addressing these challenges, although data limitations persist regarding climate-specific impacts. The insight gained from such data is crucial for informing effective responses and interventions to support affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
