Climate and conflict
A majority of the countries most severely affected by climate change are also impacted by armed conflict.The effects of climate change can lead to increased instability, which in turn drives conflict. Existing patterns of marginalisation and exclusion are reinforced, deepening conflicts further and increasing the vulnerability of affected populations. The Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) works to strengthen the focus on climate aspects in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, in order to promote peace, security and stabilisation.
Countries and societies affected by conflict or characterised by weak or undemocratic governance are poorly equipped to cope with the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods and shifts in dry and rainy seasons. Opportunities for livelihoods diminish, competition for food increases, and economic development is hampered. This is particularly true in environments where dependence on natural resources is high.
Poor management of the impacts of climate change can exacerbate conflicts and disadvantage vulnerable and marginalised groups. Organised crime and non-state actors may exploit people’s vulnerability for recruitment and consolidate power by taking control of scarce natural resources.
Social tensions rise when people are forced to relocate due to heightened competition for land and resources. In many contexts, climate, peace and security issues are closely linked to gender equality, youth participation, sustainable development and governance.
FBA’s work
FBA’s work involves, among other things, identifying how climate change affects resource availability and how this can intensify conflicts. The effects of climate change can also provide an entry point for dialogue, mediation and trust-building between parties and actors in conflict settings.
By taking climate factors into account in mediation and peace processes, we help prevent future conflicts, promote long-term stability, and support resilient communities. FBA collaborates with international, regional and local actors to achieve tangible results.
An important part of our work is strengthening inclusion. Due to gender norms, women are particularly vulnerable to climate-related security risks. This can also apply to minorities or other groups especially exposed to climate change, such as farmers and nomadic pastoralists.
By incorporating climate-related risks and perspectives, FBA contributes to the development of more effective and preventive strategies to build resilience and stability in conflict-affected areas. In this context, stabilisation refers not only to rebuilding societies after conflict, but also to creating more robust communities capable of withstanding current and future climate-related conflict risks.