Signal Record 45.8 million disaster displacements in 2024; up to 216 million climate migrants by 2050

Summary

EY describes climate as an accelerant of migration. Displacement caused by disasters hit a record 45.8 million in 2024. The World Bank projects that as many as 216 million people could become internal climate migrants by 2050. Over the same period, Africa's urban population is set to nearly double to 1.4 billion, leaving cities to absorb people moving in from climate-hit areas while also serving as launch points for economic migration abroad. EY adds that the fastest-growing regions are also those most exposed to climate impacts, compounding the pressure on their infrastructure.