This Climate Migration panel took place on September 23, 2020 at 11 a.m. EST. Watch the replay of this informative session below at your convenience.
About the panel
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an average of 22.5 million people were displaced by climate or weather-related events between 2000-2018. And the numbers keep rising. The International Organization for Migration estimates that by 2050 there will be 200 million climate-displaced persons (also known as “climate refugees”). Despite the eminent threat posed by climate change, however, climate refugees are not a protected class.
We believe the refugee resettlement and environmental communities must come together to address the challenges that exist in assisting climate-displaced people and propose next steps for advancing legal frameworks, public campaigns, and policy decisions. As one of the oldest and largest resettlement agencies in the U.S., Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has convened a panel of experts to explore the unique intersection of climate change and forced migration. This virtual event, was held in partnership with Climate Week NYC and Climate Group.
Meet the Panelists

Walter Kaelin

Faye Matthews

David Gardiner

Collin O'Mara
