climate refugee

American  

[klahy-mit ref-yoo-jee, ref-yoo-jee] / ˈklaɪ mɪt ˌrɛf yʊˈdʒi, ˈrɛf yʊˌdʒi /

noun

1. a person who has had to flee their home due to the negative effects of climate change.

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Etymology

Origin of climate refugee

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Recognising the existential threat facing these communities, in November close neighbour Australia offered climate refugee visas to Pacific Islanders.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2023

"People have created all sorts of ways to live in more challenging places that flood," Moon reflected to Salon when asked about the likelihood of mass climate refugee crises.

From Salon • Aug. 28, 2023

“I don’t see the slightest evidence that anyone is seriously thinking about what to do with the future climate refugee stream,” said Orrin Pilkey, professor emeritus of coastal geology at Duke University.

From The Guardian • Sep. 24, 2018

But it is worth considering whether what we are witnessing in Europe today is the beginning of the climate refugee wave.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 2015

“They are becoming a type of climate refugee — they have to find work in other places,” said Aguirre.

From Washington Post