Climate action in conflict-affected and fragile contexts must be locally-led, properly funded and peace-positive.
The climate crisis is not happening in isolation. In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, climate change can intensify competition over land, water and other natural resources, deepen existing inequalities and compound insecurity. These are often the places where climate action and investment are most urgently needed, but most often lacking.
COP31 comes at a time of increasing numbers of armed conflicts around the world, yet despite both the context and some progress in recent years, peace is once again missing from the official agenda, only found at its margins in a variety of side-events. However, it is being called “the implementation COP”, a time to move beyond making promises and into delivering on commitments.
International Alert is calling for parties to honour the existing climate and peace commitments of past years, including the COP28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace, and the COP29 Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery. Funding of proven solutions of locally-led and conflict sensitive adaptation needs to be accelerated to reach vulnerable communities, especially in fragile contexts.
This means recognising that effective climate adaptation cannot be separated from peace. Reaching the communities most affected by climate change means engaging with the realities of conflict and insecurity.
Our experience shows that locally-led climate action can do more than help communities adapt to climate hazards. When designed to be conflict sensitive and inclusive, it can also strengthen social cohesion, build trust, support livelihoods and contribute to lasting peace, which in turn creates the environment to further strengthen climate resilience.
International Alert is calling for climate action that recognises the importance of conflict, puts communities in the driving seat, and directs finance to the places where it can make the greatest difference.
Governments, donors, climate funds and development organisations must:
- Put peace at the heart of climate action. Make conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding integral to climate policies, portfolios and investments, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
- Recognise communities as agents of change. People experiencing the combined impacts of climate change and conflict are not simply recipients of assistance. They have the knowledge, resources and leadership needed to develop effective local solutions.
- Help climate finance reach the most vulnerable. Address the barriers that prevent fragile and conflict-affected contexts from accessing climate finance, and invest in approaches that deliver climate, social and peacebuilding benefits.
- Actively include women and young people. Ensure they have meaningful opportunities to shape climate decisions, influence policy and lead adaptation initiatives.
Our experience demonstrates what this can look like in practice:
Community-led adaptation in Kenya: Through our work on locally led climate action and peacebuilding, communities are developing practical responses to climate challenges while strengthening relationships and cooperation.
Supporting women and young people to shape climate action in Nigeria: Women and young people are bearing the brunt of climate change in Nigeria. We are supporting them to participate in climate decision-making, influence state-level policy and take an active role in developing solutions.
Making climate finance peace-positive: Climate finance too often ignores conflict hotspots and communities affected by conflict often have significantly underfunded climate adaptation and peacebuilding needs. Peace-positive climate investments can therefore deliver beneficial long-term outcomes for climate and people.
Read more from our colleagues from the Community of Practice on Environment, Climate, Conflict and Peace (ECCP):
Follow for more updates throughout COP31:
COP31 is an opportunity to move beyond commitments and support the approaches already known to work. Join us in bringing peace back to climate action.
