Climate Action Must Avoid Fueling Conflict

Nov 30, 2023 | Inge Brees and Harriet Mackaill-Hill
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In conflict-affected areas, the impact of climate change is one of many governmental priorities, and treating the two separately obstructs innovative and collaborative approaches, which are vital for addressing climate security risks. This isn’t an argument for relying on polluting resources. Phasing out fossil fuels is the only way forward. But it’s imperative that alternative extraction processes are conducted in a manner that respects both people and the planet.

Local actors need to be able to have direct access to funds without having to go through their governments or, as is often the case, an international intermediary, and we need to move away from cumbersome accreditation processes. Moreover, we need to improve the capacity and understanding of funding frameworks in order to allow for their greater participation and for governments and local civil society organizations to access funding.