The climate crisis exacerbates existing global injustices: the most vulnerable communities are the most affected by its impacts as well as different forms of violence, displacement, and human rights violations – even though they are also the least responsible for climate change. 70% of climate fragile countries are at risk of or in a situation of conflict. Historically grown power structures lead to unequal access among states and communities to necessary resources – both to adapt to climate change and to implement climate policies. Increased environmental protection and compensation payments alone are not enough to ensure a dignified life for all in an intact and peaceful environment. A just global response to the climate crisis calls for global solidarity and cross-sectoral cooperation, for instance, through environmental peacebuilding. The communities that are most affected by climate change often also face conflict and violence. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically link environmental protection and climate initiatives with peacebuilding and, conversely, peace engagement with approaches to address the climate crisis to achieve sustainable, equitable, and peaceful development. The question which will be addressed in this module is:

How can environmental peacebuilding address injustices and conflicts to promote a just transition?