Climate crisis and natural resource management
The relationship between climate and conflict is complex. Climate extremes and variability are threatening the livelihoods, food security, health and wellbeing of millions of people worldwide, with those living in fragile and conflict-affected states disproportionately affected.
These same states are most likely to have weak governance and institutions and high levels of social and economic inequality, leaving them ill-equipped to deal with the impacts of climate change. This can create or exacerbate community tensions and fragility with the potential to lead to violent conflict.
Competition over natural resources – including land, forests and water – is a major driver of conflict, particularly in fragile states. Systematic, fair, inclusive and responsive natural resource governance is therefore vital to effective climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and integral to preventing conflict.
For over 15 years, Alert has brought together communities, authorities and businesses to design effective and conflict-sensitive management solutions for natural resources. From Kenya to Mali, we bring conflicting parties together to build trust and relationships through dialogue, with a focus on designing gender-inclusive processes. Our pioneering research has shown the ways in which climate change and conflict are linked. Our work at the local, sub-national and national levels recognises that system change lies at the core of addressing climate and conflict risks. By partnering with those working on climate change mitigation and adaptation interventions, we can ensure these programmes are not only sensitive to their impact on conflict, but actively contribute to building positive peace.
Making climate finance fit for a world in conflict
Climate finance offers a crucial opportunity to build peace into climate action, bringing people together across dividing lines to address the climate crisis. Without careful planning, climate finance can also risk exacerbating conflicts. We share how climate finance can be designed to support peace.
It’s time to mainstream environmental and climate action in peacebuilding programming
Promoting environmental and climate action in peacebuilding is an evolving, yet under-explored practice in our sector. Yet most, if not all, peacebuilding projects – regardless of their focus – can provide entry points to promote environmental sustainability and climate action. Our latest blog reflects on the practical steps to including environmental and climate action in programming.
Addressing the linkages between climate, conflict and natural resource management
Through our on-the-ground programming and close partnerships with local organisations, we are seeing increasing evidence of the compounding and destabilising effects of climatic change and environmental degradation on conflicts related to the availability of natural resources.
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Partnerships and collaboration at the local, national and international level are central to our peacebuilding work. We’d love to hear from you.