The impact of climate change on regions in conflict: a double punishment
Conflict regions often face a double whammy when it comes to confronting the challenges of the climate crisis. Not only do they have to deal with the consequences of war, but they also face the devastating effects of climate change. This is the case of the Gaza Strip, a region already weakened by conflict, which risks facing an imminent climate crisis.
Countries at war are among the most vulnerable to climate change. According to the “Global Adaptation Initiative” of the University of Notre Dame, fourteen of the twenty-five countries most exposed to climate change are currently in a situation of armed conflict, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Sudan and the Republic Democratic Republic of Congo.
The direct link between climate change and armed conflict is not yet clearly established, but it is evident that countries at war are less able to cope with the consequences of global warming due to their instability and lack of resources . In addition, climate change can worsen tensions over access to already limited resources.
The effects of war and climate change can have devastating consequences, as a report from the International Committee of the Red Cross showed in 2020. Land and resources, already under pressure in times of war, become even more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. This can lead to population displacement, conflicts over access to resources and increasing food insecurity.
A concrete example is that of the Central African Republic, where food insecurity and conflicts linked to access to land have been exacerbated by massive population displacements due to regional instability. Herders and farmers in search of more fertile pastures and agricultural land find themselves in competition with the inhabitants already present, thus creating new tensions and clashes.
In Somalia, another conflict country, recurring droughts exacerbated by climate change have worsened population displacement and conflicts over land access. Millions of people are already displaced in Somalia due to conflict, droughts and floods, creating additional tensions and growing food insecurity.
It is clear that conflict regions face pre-existing challenges that are further exacerbated by climate change. The double punishment they suffer is a worrying reality and requires urgent action.
To face these challenges, it is essential to strengthen the adaptation capacities of countries at war with climate change.. This requires increased financial and technical support, as well as international efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace.
It is also essential to promote the resilience of communities living in these conflict regions. This can be done by investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and establishing early warning systems to deal with natural disasters.
In conclusion, conflict regions face a double whammy when it comes to tackling the climate crisis. However, it is essential to recognize this reality and take concrete steps to support these regions, so that they can overcome the challenges they face and build a more resilient and sustainable future.