Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance’s Post

In May 2024, SIPRI published a paper, titled "Burning Ground: Tackling Climate Change and Conflict in South-central Somalia", that addresses the effects of #climatechange and the drivers of #conflict in Somalia. It presents the findings of two EU-funded projects that used climate action as a platform for reducing violent conflict over #naturalresources, and examines their results as examples of environmental #peacebuilding. It then concludes with three lessons for climate action and peacebuilding that could be applied more broadly in Somalia as well as in other fragile and conflict-affected areas: 💧  #Naturalresources governance can support local peacebuilding 🤝  #Climateaction can support peacebuilding 🏛  Climate action can support the development of formal #governance structures Read the full paper by Kheira Tarif, which provides an insightful analysis of the topic. https://lnkd.in/dwt7wrMy

📢 Delighted to share our latest analysis on the linkages between conflict and climate risk in Somalia's Newly Liberated Areas (Hirshabelle & Galmudug).   📃 The report delves into the intricate linkages between climate risks—such as droughts, erratic rainfall, and resource scarcity—and conflict dynamics in the Newly Liberated Areas (NLA). Through pathway analysis, it provides actionable recommendations for environmental peacemaking, aiming to support conflict resolution and strengthen resilience to both climate challenges and conflict in these fragile regions.   🙏 Our thanks to the many experts and institutions that contributed to this report with their valuable insight. https://lnkd.in/eu2YacXB

Lasting peace and reconciliation can never be achieved without addressing the climate crisis! We must face the harsh reality that environmental destruction fuels conflict and disrupts livelihoods—especially during war, when the environment becomes an invisible victim. Its exploitation leaves lasting scars on communities, ecosystems, and the future of our planet. From the Middle East, where the ongoing conflict has ravaged land, and water resources, to the Niger Delta, where oil extraction has fueled violence and environmental degradation, the impact of environmental destruction during war is felt globally. On this International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, we recognise that while peacebuilding efforts must address multiple layers of injustice, the protection of the environment must also be part of the agenda. We call on governments, the private sector, civil society, international organisations, and local communities to work together to ensure that environmental protection is integrated into peacebuilding efforts. Stronger policies, sustainable solutions, and immediate action are necessary to protect both people and the planet. Our Advocacy Specialist Gugu Nonjinge delves deeper into the importance of environmental justice in conflict resolution. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ecD6P2 #ClimateCrisis #EnvironmentInWar #CSVR

Issues such as biodiversity loss pollution and climate change are increasingly critical to prevention & resolution of violent conflict. The dots need to be joined up in terms of actions possible and needed. This report is a significant contribution.

Since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021, Myanmar has experienced a prolonged and intense conflict. More than 5,000 civilians have been killed and 3.3 million displaced according to the latest report issued by the United Nations human rights office in September 2024. Also, 27,400 people have been arrested, and numbers have been rising since the implementation of mandatory conscription. The report was based on remote interviews with victims and witnesses because access was denied. At the same time, with more than 5 million people living in low-lying and coastal regions, Myanmar is also one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Conflict and climate interact, further complicating both. However, until now interactions between the two in this region are mainly under-studied. Myanmar’s internally displaced communities are increasingly exposed to climate-related impacts. Growing resource extraction, often unregulated and facilitated by armed groups, has also degraded the environment and further increased communities’ vulnerability to climate change. A recent study focused on reviewing the relationship between climate change and conflict shows that in addition to Myanmar, there are many overlooked regions where climate change has already intensified local conflicts but remains under-researched.

During the 37th African Union summit, The World Bank confirmed its support for the AIP and its objective to narrow the #water investment gap and contribute towards #sdg6 targets on #water and #sanitation and building #resilience. In the video below, the World Bank's Laura Bonzanigo speaks to how the organisation is directly supporting the AIP’s operationalisation via a US$10 million grant to the African Union Commission. Part of this grant will support fora and knowledge sharing on best practices for climate resilient water investments and the development of AIP guidelines for the development of national (and regional) plans for climate resilient water investments. The grant is part of a larger $632 million Regional Climate Resilience Program, that covers five countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, two regional organisations, and the AUC. It aims to increase the resilience to water-related climate shocks in the region. 

According to the UN Environment Programme, over the last 60 years, at least 40% of all internal conflicts have been linked to exploiting natural resources, and conflicts involving resources are twice as likely to relapse. 🕊️ On International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, we recognize that there can be no lasting peace if the natural resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed.   At Aman Lara, we support those who must rebuild their lives after environmental degradation and conflict, advocating for safe, sustainable futures. 🌿

The notion that climate action must wait for stability is deeply flawed. Stability in Syria could remain elusive for decades, but the need for urgent action cannot wait. Ignoring these crises only brings us closer to irreversible consequences. In my latest, I emphasize the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the interventions and services provided by humanitarian organizations and de facto authorities in Syria. By doing so, we can mitigate unintended ecological harm and help prevent the worst outcomes.

Climate change and conflict must be tackled together, argues a foundation head https://lnkd.in/eaRKd254 from The Economist #courageousleadership #climateaction #peacekeeping #geopoliticalconflict

PAX’s latest report uncovering environmental issues in Syria focuses on water challenges in Northwest Syria. “Thirst for Peace: War and Water Security Challenges along the Orontes River in Syria” Over twelve years of war in Syria have seriously degraded water sources, affecting people, livelihoods and ecosystems. One under-reported affected water resource is the Orontes—the second-largest river—and its basin in the west of the country. The report examines how the conflict has degraded the availability and quality of water resources over the past decade and has compounded the precarious effects of climate change. A nuanced understanding of the nature and consequences of water insecurity in this region is crucial for developing better responses to assist the affected communities. To access the report: https://lnkd.in/erR6DNgn