New Warning: Ongoing climate crisis could wipe out 167 million homes!

First Cyclone Amphan and then Cyclone Tauktae, the Indian coast has been hit by some devastating cyclones in 2020 and 2021. Inundating several low-lying villages and destroying more than lakhs of houses, the cyclones have left a trail of large-scale destruction.

Looking at the climate crisis world over, a new data forecast from the Cornwall-based disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, and Andrew Collins, Professor of Disaster and Development at Northumbria University, has estimated losing “8.35 million homes a year between now and 2040.”

“Here at ShelterBox, we have worked out that on the current trajectory 167 million homes could be lost to climate-based disasters by 2040. Last year cyclone Amphan destroyed 1.7 million homes in India alone.” (Flora Longley-Cook, Operations Coordinator at ShelterBox)

ShelterBox’s chief executive, Sanj Srikanthan, pressed on the need to recognise and understand the devastating impact of extreme weather on humans. He also added that “it is causing irreversible damage, robbing families of homes, livelihoods and loved ones.”

The UK government was the host of the G7 summit this year. The charity called out for support from the leaders of the world to generate more help for millions around the world who are losing their homes to extreme climate change, such as storms and floods.

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“It’s stories like these that highlight why we have asked three things of G7 last week. First, more support worldwide for emergency shelter after disaster. Second, more support for long-term durable homes that can survive extreme weather conditions. And lastly, a commitment to vaccine distribution that goes the last mile reaching even the most isolated communities so that everyone is safe.” (Flora Longley-Cook, Operations Coordinator at ShelterBox)

These measures can help prevent displacement and destruction during climate based calamities.