Dear reader,
Conflict-affected countries are likely to become increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which, in turn, can worsen already existing conflicts.
In Iraq, the country’s instability has been shaped by its high exposure to floods, droughts and dust storms, its natural resource dependency and its low adaptive capacity. In Somalia, local conflicts, mostly about natural resources such as water, pastures or faming land, are being exacerbated by climate change and are turning violent more frequently.
Without addressing climate change and the impact it’s having on local communities, sustainable peace agreements will be difficult to achieve.
To mark this year’s International Day of Peace, we asked colleagues who are currently working on climate-related conflicts in Iraq and Somalia to share with us how climate change has affected peace and security in their regions and which adaptation or preventative measures are being adopted to support affected communities.
Watch their videos below: