Environmental refugees in a globally warmed world

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Bioscience; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1312319· OSTI ID:5441926

Myers, N

This paper examines the complex problem of environmental refugees as among the most serious of all the effects of global warming. Shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, and agricultural disruption from drought, soil erosion and desertification are factors now and in the future in creating a group of environmental refugees. Estimates are that at least 10 million such refugees exist today. A preliminary analysis is presented here as a first attempt to understand the full character and extent of the problem. Countries with large delta and coastal areas and large populations are at particular risk from sea-level rise of as little as .5 - 1 meter, compounded by storm surge and salt water intrusions. Bangladesh, Egypt, China, and India are discussed in detail along with Island states at risk. Other global warming effects such as shifts in monsoon systems and severe and persistent droughts make agriculture particularly vulnerable. Lack of soil moisture is during the growing season will probably be the primary problem. Additional and compounding environmental problems are discussed, and an overview of the economic, sociocultural and political consequences is given. 96 refs., 1 tab.

• OSTI ID: 5441926
• Journal Information: Bioscience; (United States), Journal Name: Bioscience; (United States) Vol. 43:11; ISSN BISNAS; ISSN 0006-3568
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560400 -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CLIMATIC CHANGE
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
HUMAN POPULATIONS
POPULATION RELOCATION
POPULATIONS
SOCIAL IMPACT