Global warming and climate refugees

legal implications and protection of those displaced by climate change

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62530/rbdcv24n02p83

Keywords:

Global warming, Climate change, Climate refugees, Forced displacement, Legal protection, Human rights

Abstract

This article examines the legal and protection issues surrounding climate refugees, an emerging category of displaced persons facing unique challenges due to climate change. It begins with an overview of the global warming problem and its consequences for human displacement, emphasizing the need to address the vulnerabilities of these individuals. The analysis defines climate refugees and distinguishes between climate-induced displacement and voluntary migration, highlighting challenges such as the lack of legal recognition and international protection. A review of key international legal instruments is conducted, evaluating their adequacy in addressing climate-induced displacement. The article also examines current legal and policy responses from governments and international organizations, focusing on protection and assistance initiatives for climate refugees across different regions of the world. In conclusion, it stresses the need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to protect climate refugees and ensure their fundamental rights in the face of growing global climate challenges.

Author Biographies

  • Drielly Freitas, Santa Cecília University

    Master's degree in Law from Universidade Santa Cecília (UNISANTA) and CAPES scholarship holder, graduated in Law from Universidade Católica de Santos, Postgraduate in Family and Succession Law from FMP/RS and in Civil Law and Civil Procedure from Legale, Lawyer.

  • Verônica Scriptore Freire e Almeida, Santa Cecília University

    PhD and Master in Economic Law from the University of Coimbra, recognized by USP. Professor in the Postgraduate Program in Health Law at Santa Cecília University (UNISANTA), Coordinator of the International Relations course at Santa Cecília University. Editor-in-chief of the Global Health Law Journal, lawyer.

References

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BORGES, I. F. Populações negras e indígenas são mais afetadas pelas mudanças climáticas, dizem especialistas. Notícias Senado, 27 jun. 2022. Disponível em: https://www12.senado.leg.br/radio/1/noticia/2022/06/27/populacoes-negras-e-indigenas-sao-mais-afetadas-pelas-mudancas-climaticas-dizem-especialistas. Acesso em: 12 maio 2024.

DE OLIVEIRA ABUD, Carol; SOUZA, Luciano Pereira de; GORISCH, Patricia Cristina Vasques de Souza. Mudança climática: uma crise previsível. Unisanta Law and Social Science, v. 12, n. 1, pp. 191-209, 2023.

NOBRE, Carlos Afonso. Mudanças climáticas e desmatamento na Amazônia: Impactos e adaptação. Revista Brasileira de Meteorologia, v. 24, n. 3, pp. 371-390, 2009. Disponível em: http://mtc-m16c.sid.inpe.br/col/sid.inpe.br/ePrint@80/2005/09.12.12.51/doc/v1.pdf Acesso em: 12 maio 2024.

Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

FREITAS, Drielly; ALMEIDA, Verônica Scriptore Freire e. Global warming and climate refugees: legal implications and protection of those displaced by climate change. Revista Brasileira de Direito Constitucional, [S. l.], v. 24, n. 2, p. 83–87, 2025. DOI: 10.62530/rbdcv24n02p83. Disponível em: https://www.rbdc.com.br/revista/article/view/378. Acesso em: 17 nov. 2025.