The situation of vulnerability and the impact of the pandemic on climate refugees

Abstract

The climate crisis brings environmental, economic, and social impacts. Within these aspects, the lack of decent housing is one of the most worrisome. In addition, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate and health crises will combine in a scenario of wide inequality gaps, harming the most vulnerable. This article aims to analyze whether the current international legal framework offers simple solutions to the distress of climate migrants. In the end, it concludes that it is necessary to establish a legal status for the environmental refugee. Such a status can combine the international human rights regime and the experiences adopted in regional environmental protection systems. Environmental refugees are a reality and require a concrete response.