Blame Governments, Not the Environment: How Political Failures Worsen the Effects of Climate Change in West Africa

Mar 17, 2023 | Georgetown Security Studies Review
View Original

With seven coups since 2020, West Africa is drawing global attention as a hotspot for conflict and a critical locus of discourse on climate security. Rising temperatures and scarce rainfall have amplified the dangerous effects of weak governance, ethnic rivalries, lack of economic opportunities, and violent extremism in the region.

Government policy failures in the region have accentuated inequalities that worsen the effects of climate change. The recent spate of coups indicates a deepening governance and security crisis in the Sahel. This political instability makes it difficult for West African countries to respond to increasing violence and humanitarian crises amplified by a changing environment. With the effects of climate change growing more acute, it is essential that West African governments improve their practices and capacities.