Climate and environment

Access to land and natural resources has long contributed to conflict, but our natural environment is changing at a rate never seen before in human history. We work in partnership with local people and communities to develop conflict-sensitive responses to environmental change.

The relationship between climate change and conflict is complex and interconnected. From our work in conflict-affected contexts around the world, we are seeing the environmental, social, economic and political impacts of climate change exacerbate the existing drivers of conflict. These impacts can both constrain the capacity of communities to manage localised forms of conflict, and inspire creative and inclusive peacebuilding.

    Young people carrying firewood in Democratic Republic of Congo
    Our response

    As the world increasingly focuses on responding to the changing climate and environment, it is essential that the interlinkages between environmental change and conflict in each particular context are understood. We work in partnership with local people and communities to develop responses to climate change that are conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive and grounded in their understanding and experiences. 

    The management of land and resources can also be a tool for peacebuilding in itself, where traditional avenues for conflict resolution have become stuck. In Jammu and Kashmir working together to predict and respond to natural disasters is helping to build confidence between divided communities. 

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    Our work in action

    We work with our partners to address conflict risks associated with climate and environmental change, and to support communities to mitigate and resolve conflicts which arise.