Development key to addressing climate change-linked displacement

Climate change is intensifying its impact on the global environment and human life. In an interview with China Daily, Raouf Mazou, assistant high commissioner for operations at the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), highlighted that climate change serves as a major acceleratant and amplifier of displacement. The proportion of refugees from areas vulnerable to climate change has risen from 61 percent to over 80 percent.

Mazou emphasized the need to focus on development, particularly in technology, AI, smart agriculture and solar energy. It is important to understand the relationship between climate change and conflict, and development plays a key role in addressing the root causes of displacement. The UNHCR, in collaboration with China and several Chinese companies, is advancing global sustainable development.