Understanding Environmental Refugees - Concepts, Causes and Reality

Global warming is no longer a myth and its impact is felt across the spectrum. People are forced to leave their homes due to changes in climatic conditions which occur either gradually or suddenly, leaving them displaced. More often than not they are forced to cross state boundaries in search of refuge, thus making them environmental refugees. Internationally there only exists an agreed upon definition, which is devoid of any framework pertaining to their rights and duty of states they are denied their rights and are treated as illegal migrants. Thus, there is a need to understand the existing framework and the loopholes that can be utilized to ensure that their rights are safeguarded.