International organizations such as the UN, EU, and OECD have highlighted the intensified connection between environmental change and conflict. Rapid environmental changes have severe consequences for countries at war or in post-conflict phases. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his New Agenda for Peace, noted that climate change creates social dynamics that heighten tensions and escalate violent conflicts. “Maria Martin de Almagro Iniesta is a member of FBA’s International Research Working Group and studies the impact of climate change on local communities in the conflict-affected eastern DR Congo.
The academic literature on environmental peace has examined this phenomenon, arguing that collaborative efforts in conflict and post-conflict societies to manage shared resources or address natural disasters can foster positive peace, strengthen social cohesion, and enhance community resilience.
However, Maria Martin de Almagro Iniesta, researcher in conflict and development studies at the University of Ghent, has identified three major limitations in the current research literature.
To access the article, click HERE.