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 was addressed in this module was:
How can environmental peacebuilding address injustices and conflicts to promote a just transition?
The module was designed as expert interviews followed by an exchange in groups with the audience.
Climate justice recognises that most countries that are most affected by climate crises are also the least responsible for global emissions. Moreover, the most affected countries bear the double burden of being affected by violent conflicts and climate crises. To avoid people being left behind in the “green” transition of various sectors, an equitable approach is needed that prioritizes the needs of the most affected by the climate crises. Countries need to increase mitigation efforts by reducing their own emissions, enhance resilience through better adaptation but also make sure that climate finance is reaching local communities and marginalized groups. A just transition in various sectors like energy, economy, mobility, and alike is required, which is a challenge everywhere, but especially in fragile and conflict affected contexts.
Environmental peacebuilding in the context of climate justice recognizes the complex nature of climate change, conflict and social injustice. It goes beyond simply mitigating environmental damage or adapting to climate change. It aims to address the root causes of conflict and injustice exacerbated by climate change, promote equitable access to resources and opportunities, and foster inclusive decision-making processes. Environmental peacebuilding requests a conflict-, gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach. Nature-based solutions are often linked to traditional knowledge and indigenous peoples cultural living and heritage. Integrated concepts of protection and peacebuilding measures, where Nature qualifies as legal subject in its own rights become more and more prominent.
Overcome injustices and promote a just transition
Just transition needs to take place everywhere. In situations of ongoing climate crisis and protracted violent conflict or directly after war, climate justice means access to resources for survival, e.g. to resources, food, energy as there is nothing to transit. In such circumstances and/or where government structures are fragile, readiness to support and work with alternative governance structures with local legitimacy offer solutions as it improves access to and for the most vulnerable people.
Address power asymmetries
The historical legacy of conflicts and power imbalances fuel climate-related conflicts e.g. over land and water. Environmental peacebuilding addresses these power dynamics and promotes equitable access to resources for all communities. An awareness of colonial structures and power imbalances is critical to not replicate and exacerbate interdependencies and unequal power structures. Global north actors need to be prepared to face 'unpleasant truths' and live up their responsibility to earn trust and credibility by local actors.
Prioritise inclusivity
Reconsider the relationship between nature, the environment and humans. Respect and value local and indigenous wisdom and experience. The involvement of local communities from the outset of each project cycle is crucial for incorporating local knowledge and mechanisms. It ensures that local actors are listened to and given decision-making power. Inclusive mechanisms help to make local knowledge more broadly available, to inform national and international research and policy agendas. For example, by ensuring people from fragile and conflict affected settings can meaningfully participate at the UN-COP29.
Increase conflict-sensitivity and cross-sectoral cooperation in climate action
Ensure that climate negotiations on mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage are conflict-sensitive to not exacerbate exiting conflicts, discrimination and grievances. An opportunity are the NDCs (National Determined Contributions) and National Action Plans, where conflict-sensitivity could be incorporated into all climate action and cross-sectoral programming. Most effective is conflict-sensitive climate finance that reaches local communities and grass-root organisations. Flexibility of climate funding advances sustainability to adaptation to an extremely volatile context.
Accountability for private sector involvement
Ensure that the green transition is conflict-sensitive and that the critical raw materials are not exploited in an unsustainable manner. This entails conducting heightened HR due diligence and conflict-sensitivity for mining companies along the whole value-chain (e.g.cobalt). Provision of remedies for harms occurred through climate related economic and private sector activities would help to prevent conflict, fight organized crime and increase accountability.
