30 million people fled their homes due to weather extremes in 2025; most remain in poor countries while the rich close their borders

As reported by CCTV+, according to a report released on Monday by the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC), the number of displaced persons worldwide has reached a record high. The global refugee situation remains extremely severe.

The “Global Displacement Report 2026” states that currently more than 117 million people are displaced. This figure has doubled over the past decade, highlighting the persistent severity of the global refugee crisis.

The vast majority of displaced persons remain in their original regions or neighbouring countries, mainly in low- or middle-income countries. At the same time, some developed countries, including Germany, are tightening their immigration policies.

The report also emphasises that climate change is a significant driver of displacement. In 2025, about 30 million people were forced to leave their homes due to extreme weather events.

The study highlights the complex interplay between environmental degradation, economic crises, political conflicts, social inequality and population mobility. The report calls on Germany and other EU members to reform their immigration policies to better manage and respond to these challenges.

Note: BICC (Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies) is a leading German research institute specialising in conflict analysis, displacement and security policy. Its annual report is considered a authoritative source of refugee data. 117 million people. That is more than the population of many countries. And their number has doubled in a decade. Wars, climate, poverty – the causes differ. The result is the same: people flee. But they are not fleeing to Europe or America.

Most remain in neighbouring poor countries. Meanwhile, the rich tighten visas and build fences. The BICC report is not just numbers. It is an indictment. The world is failing. And the worst part is that climate is only beginning to rock the boat. 30 million due to weather in 2025 – that is just the start. The question is not whether the crisis will worsen. It will. The question is when politicians will stop seeing refugees as a problem and start seeing them as people. While they argue, 117 million are waiting. At borders. At hope. At the very edge.