• Mudland Climate Lab
Climate Migration
Letters From Calais
Letters from Calais is a documentary that captures the voices of refugees and migrants in Calais who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Created for the Letters to the Earth campaign for COP27, this film, under the Climate Migration section of the Climate Lab, advocates for urgent climate action, highlighting the vulnerability of displaced people and warning of the increasing refugee numbers expected as the climate crisis deepens.
As the climate crisis intensifies, the world is witnessing unprecedented levels of displacement, with refugees and migrants increasingly affected by environmental instability. Letters from Calais, created for the Letters to the Earth campaign for COP27, documents the lives of refugees and migrants living in Calais—individuals, displaced by war, conflict and climate change are on the frontlines of this crisis. The documentary gives voice to these vulnerable populations as they write letters to decision-makers, calling for urgent and inclusive climate action.
Part of the Climate Migration section of the Climate Lab, this film advocates for a broader understanding of the interconnectedness between the refugee crisis and the climate crisis. While the refugees and migrants in Calais may not be classified as climate migrants, they face increased vulnerability due to the escalating impacts of climate change. Letters from Calais highlights how the number of displaced people and refugees will continue to increase as climate change accelerates, creating greater pressures on already marginalised communities.
Through powerful testimonies, Letters from Calais sheds light on the harsh realities faced by those in Calais, many of whom are forced to live in precarious conditions without the basic protections they need. Their letters to COP27 decision-makers serve as a reminder that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue but a human rights issue. The film calls for climate policies that recognise the growing link between displacement and environmental degradation, advocating for solutions that protect the most vulnerable.
By documenting the voices of those on the frontlines of displacement, Letters from Calais stands as an advocacy tool, urging global leaders to act with urgency. It reminds us that without bold climate action, the refugee crisis will only worsen, with millions more forced to flee their homes. The documentary serves as a call to action and a testament to the resilience of those who, despite their vulnerability, are standing up to demand refuge in the face of a growing crisis.