Dear John,

Today marks the start of the Tour de France 2024.

As the world prepares to see some of the world’s best cyclists take on the ultimate challenge, we are reminded of the determination it takes to reach our goals.

It takes courage to get to the finish line. For the 120 million refugees and displaced people around the world, that moment might be the day they finally start a new business, graduate from an education programme when all hope seemed lost, or simply when they begin to feel settled in a new place.

One of the biggest challenges facing us all is the climate crisis. Floods and heavy rains are forcing people to flee their homes. Some have been forced to start over multiple times. We are all in a race against time. But refugees and displaced people are among those finding innovative solutions to this global problem, and UNHCR is determined to support them.

We’re working on a range of projects that are empowering refugees to combat the effects of climate change, and bring about change for themselves, their families and their communities.

This includes building solar farms to bring power to remote refugee camps, environmental restoration to prevent flooding, building climate-resilient shelters and supporting the creation of climate-smart livelihoods.

Refugees and displaced people are facing an uphill challenge, but UNHCR is here to support them to build better futures, whatever life throws at them.

You can help too. Test your knowledge on how climate change is affecting refugees by taking our climate quiz, and then share what you’ve learnt with your friends, family and colleagues. It takes just three minutes, and by informing others, you’re helping to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of refugees (which is three minutes well-spent in our opinion!)

You can also take action by donating to our appeal to support people experiencing extreme weather and flooding in places like East Africa and Brazil right now.

With sincere gratitude,

Monia Hassan
International Supporter Care
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency