On Peace, Security and Climate Finance at COP26

Nov 12, 2021 | George Conway
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A few years ago, it may have been unusual to hear discussions around peace, security and fragility at international climate change fora such as COP26. When George was UNDP’s Resident Representative in Somalia, he saw first-hand the impact of the nexus between climate and security issues. The failure of climate-sensitive livelihoods has fueled grievances and fed into recruitment of non-state armed groups, and their illicit activities.

While the issues are not new, climate security is still a relatively new topic, and we continue to build the evidence base and to fill the gaps in data, knowledge and understanding, including in relation to climate finance. How can we improve access to climate finance in conflict-affected and fragile contexts, and how can we mainstream climate-related security risks and make sure climate finance contributes to sustaining peace?