Wars in a warming world: synergies between climate change mitigation and conflict prevention

Climate change and armed conflict are two of the most pressing interconnected issues today. This presentation discusses the intricate connections between climate change and violent conflict. It highlights how and under what circumstances climate-induced stressors may exacerbate tensions and trigger conflicts and emphasizes the potential for vicious circles based on the latest research on the topic. By examining the synergies between climate change mitigation and conflict prevention, it underscores the dual benefits of sustainable practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while fostering peace and stability, while also acknowledging the challenges of doing so.

Nina von Uexkull is Professor of International Politics at University of Konstanz, Germany, and an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University, Sweden. Her main research interests are the impacts of climate change and climate change policies on armed conflict and human security. Her work has been published in leading academic journals and received the 2022 Oscar Prize awarded by Uppsala University. She currently leads the project ‘Petroleum, prices and protests: The impact of climate change mitigation on social unrest’, funded by the Swedish Research Council.

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