A study by Refugees International says the U.S. and other countries should use the massive floods that hit Pakistan earlier this year as "a wake-up call" to increase preparation for a growing number of natural disasters caused by climate change.
The Washington-based group says as many as 200 million people will be displaced by natural disasters and climate change by 2050. The group says the world's poorest and most crisis-prone countries will be disproportionately affected.
The report explores what climate-induced displacement looks like. It also outlines steps aid agencies should take to address the threat to economic, political and human security posed by natural disasters.
The group says the billions of dollars of U.S. aid in Pakistan only marginally helps to avoid calamities like July's flooding, which submerged one-fifth of the country, and affected more than 20 million people.
The group says U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke should prepare a strategy report detailing how U.S. assistance will address climate vulnerability in both countries.
The report says the United Nations failed to "respond effectively" to Pakistan's flooding and should review its response mechanisms to prepare for future large-scale disasters.
Refugee International says given the high costs of responding to natural disasters, it is in the global community's best interest to plan ahead for the massive displacement they cause and to protect those most at risk.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
