Petition · past parliament
Change UK law to legally recognise climate refugees
Closed
101 signatures
What the petition asks
Currently those forced to leave their home due to environmental processes or disasters are classed only as migrants. This means they face huge barriers to finding a new place to live safely. The UK should update the law to help those affected by climate crises.
Between 2008 & 2015 the UNHCR estimates 22.5 million people were displaced by climate/weather related events. This number will by all estimations continue to increase, as such events become more frequent due to climate change.
The current law is based on international conventions from the 1950s/60s (including the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees). Climate change is happening. This is an opportunity for the UK to be a global pioneer for action to respond to its challenges to humanity.
The current law is based on international conventions from the 1950s/60s (including the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees). Climate change is happening. This is an opportunity for the UK to be a global pioneer for action to respond to its challenges to humanity.
Timeline
| 14 Feb 2019 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 14 Aug 2019 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
101
Status
Closed
Opened
14 Feb 2019
Closed
14 Aug 2019
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.