Climate Change & Security in Africa paper published by GMACCC
Brussels, 12 December 2014 - GMACCC has published this month its first in a series of papers on Climate Change and Security. Climate Change & Security in Africa: Clear Risks, Nuanced Impacts addresses links between climate patterns and conflict in Africa in order to raise awareness of present and emerging climate-related risks in the region.
Understanding the environmental dimensions of conflicts can improve policy responses that can potentially prevent the adverse impact that climate change has on security outcomes like conflict.
The Paper focuses on climate-related stability factors in Mali, Darfur and South Sudan. Food security, migration and disasters are all factors that are taken into account.
Key findings include:
African countries are among the most vulnerable to[Text Wrapping Break]climate change, as the Earth’s climate is warming faster than[Text Wrapping Break]previously expected.
The operating environment influences the timing and location of violence.
Although studies generally agree that there is not a link between climate change patterns and[Text Wrapping Break]civil war, there has been clear link established with other types of violence within states.
Further research is needed to understand the pathways between climate change and security elements including conflict, migration and terrorism.
Download the GMACCC Paper, Climate Change & Security in Africa: Clear Risks, Nuanced Impacts.