Climate Change & Conflict

Discussion Forums Resource Library Events

Rising global temperatures are having devastating effects, particularly in fragile & conflict-affected regions. A Stanford study estimated that climate influenced between 3% & 20% of armed conflict risk in the past century & anticipates that this influence will increase dramatically in years to come. Conflict-affected settings are both exceptionally vulnerable to climate change & less well-positioned to build climate resilience. At the same time, climate change & environmental degradation present an opportunity to bring people together across dividing lines. This Thematic Action Area offers resources, discussions & more for you to strengthen & coordinate an effective climate response in conflict contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Climate Change?

“Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature & weather patterns” United Nations. Climate change has mainly been driven by human activities in recent centuries & consequences include intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms & declining biodiversity.

How does Climate Change Affect Conflict?

70% of the countries most affected by climate change are also among the most fragile (UNPBF). “Countries mired in conflict are disproportionately impacted by climate variability & extremes, due to the limited adaptive capacity of people, systems & institutions already coping with the consequences of conflicts” (ICRC). Accordingly, climate change impacts can compound structural vulnerabilities & become a threat & risk multiplier (adelphi).

Where Can I Have Conversations with Others About the Intersection of Climate Change & Conflict?

To start conversations about & provide insight on topics related to climate change & conflict, please explore & contribute to our Discussions.

What are Some Current Examples of Climate Change Actors Collaborating with those Working in Conflict?

For a collection of resources on climate change and conflict, please visit our Resource Library.

I Work in Conflict Transformation & Want to Collaborate with Climate Actors or I Work in Climate, How Can I Find Out What Other Actors Are Working in my Space?

For a list of organizations & groups working in climate & conflict, please see our Collaboration Map.