A United Nations report has warned that Karachi and Dhaka will be among the top cities in the Global South to receive a massive influx of climate migrants by 2050.
The study, conducted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), highlights the severe impact of climate change on urban populations.
According to the report, if global temperatures rise beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, around 8 million people will be forced to migrate to 10 cities across the Global South. Among them, Dhaka is expected to receive 3.07 million climate migrants, while Karachi could see an influx of 2.4 million people.
The study, titled Urban Transformation in Asia and the Pacific: From Growth to Resilience, will be discussed at the 81st annual UN-ESCAP session in Bangkok next month. It outlines the challenges cities face due to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and water shortages.
Karachi, already struggling with unplanned urbanisation and weak infrastructure, is particularly vulnerable. The report emphasises the need for better governance and climate adaptation policies to manage the growing pressure on major cities.
Experts urge regional governments to work together to address these challenges and support climate-affected populations.