| CLIMATE CHANGE AND CONFLICT
Climate change is already affecting the physical security of vulnerable communities around the world, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries. Most recent studies agree that existing conflict zones and areas of latent tension are likely to persist and widen in geographic scope and intensity. The key assumption is that environmental trends such as water scarcity and land degradation do not per se cause conflict. The emergence and intensity of conflict rather depends on the adaptive capacities of a given society to resist and manage conflict. In this respect, governance plays a key role.
The IfP-EW climate change cluster aims to explore: the linkages between climate change, conflict and fragility; the challenges of responding to climate change-related risks in ways which avoid violence; and the role of governance in managing and preventing conflict. The cluster will build an understanding of how these complex and interlinked issues could be addressed and integrated into the policy and response mechanisms of local, national, regional and international institutions.
Through in-country research, regional dialogue and meetings, cluster members will analyse the implications of current and future climate impacts on security in fragile contexts, in particular looking at the ability of governance structures and institutions to manage these changes. Focus areas for research cover four regions of the world which are highly vulnerable to climate change: In Europe, the Mediterranean and Tajikistan; in Latin America, Argentina, Mexico, in Asia, India, Nepal, and the Philippines; and in Africa, Uganda. Based on research findings, the cluster aims to build knowledge, provide practical guidance, and support advocacy efforts around who can do what and how to promote peaceful responses to climate change risks and consequences.
Cluster coordinator : Janani Vivekananda
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