To wars and oppression as factors forcing millions of people from their homes, add climate change. United Nations figures show an exodus from Iraq has reversed a five-year decline in overall refugee numbers. Christian Aid predicts that by 2050 there will be 1 billion people around the world displaced by global warming, dwarfing the number of those now fleeing conflicts and persecution -- nearly 10 million refugees and almost 25 million internally displaced people. In the run-up to U.N. World Refugee Day on June 20, Reuters is planning a package of text, video and pictures on the plight of refugees. Text will be slugged REFUGEES and include an overview by special correspondent Alistair Lyon on confusion in the face of the new challenges and the world's shrinking capacity to care; how more frequent droughts are forcing young Moroccans to seek a new life in Europe (June 18); the descent of Iraqis in Syria into poverty; and the half a million Sri Lankans who have been on the move for decades (June 19). Reuters television plans reports on Bhutan, Iraqi refugees (both June 15), Afghan refugees, Kenya-Somalia (June 16), Karen refugees on the Thai-Burmese border (June 17), and a displaced mother in Sri Lanka (June 18). -- Reuters wants your feedback on its features file. Please e-mail comments and queries to FeaturesEditors@reuters.com.
