Episode 48: The case for cautious optimism: Community-led approaches in Bangladesh's borderlands

Crimes against the environment, from illegal deforestation to hazardous waste trafficking, are not just ecological issues—they’re deeply intertwined with climate and security. In this episode, we explore how thesecrimes fuel conflicts, undermine stability, and impact vulnerable communities. Join us and Fabian Keske from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as we uncover the drivers, trends, and entry-points to combat these crimes from the perspective of the climate and security nexus.Related resources:WWF-adelphi joint report "The nature of conflict and peace"

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of fragility in Bangladesh. Our guest for this discussion is Tasnia Khandaker Prova, Lead on Climate Research at the Center for Peace and Justice at BRAC University. We discuss the dynamics of internal and cross-border migration, borderland securitization and the role of community networks in addressing these challenges. As Bangladesh grapples with the repercussions of climate change, especially rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather events, these pressures serve to compound pre-existing and intersectional vulnerabilities. Tasnia shares insights from her research on Bangladesh's climate-affected borderlands, emphasising the importance of understanding local dynamics and community-led solutions in fostering resilience.Further resources:Fragilities and dispossession in the climate-affected borderlands of southwest Bangladesh (report) |Community-based participatory research (video) | Hearing local voices at the "Ground Zero" of climate change (article) | Berlin Climate and Security Conference session on migration featuring Tasnia (video) © adelphi global, all rights reserved adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world.  Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between conflict and war, climate change and environmental degradation in Yemen with Hisham Al-Omeisy (Senior Yemen Advisor, European Institute of Peace) and Sinéad Barry (Analyst, Climate Diplomacy and Security Programme, adelphi). We discuss the current political situation, how the humanitarian crisis is compounded by environmental degradation and how climate change intensifies key issues related to water and land. With significant cuts to humanitarian aid and changing geopolitical dynamics, funding shortfalls jeopardise long-term peacebuilding efforts, programmes that provide food, water and medical services and economic recovery efforts. This episode underscores the need for innovative funding strategies as well as the importance of integrating environmental considerations into peacebuilding efforts. Further links: Watch Hisham Al-Omeisy brief the UNSC (starting minute 19) | Undercurrents: How conflict, climate change and the environment intersect in Yemen | Environmental Pathways for Reconciliation in Yemen Consultation Report 2024 Learn more about the Weathering Risk Peace Pillar project Environmental pathways for reconciliation in Yemen© adelphi global, all rights reserved   adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world.    Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between water, climate change and conflict in Libya.  We are joined by independent consultant and researcher and one of the newest members of the Climate Security Expert Network, Malak Altaeb to discuss the reality of water scarcity, the weaponisation of water and the impacts of political legacy and fragmentation on infrastructure and governance. This episode highlights the devastating floods in eastern Libya in September 2023, emphasising the need for sustainable water management and international cooperation. It also underscores the importance of community engagement and long-term vision for water reform and resilience in Libya. Further links: Water Politics in Libya: A Crisis of Management, not Scarcity | What’s next for Libya’s Great Man-Made River Project | From floods to disaster: A conflict- and climate-sensitive recovery pathway for Libya © adelphi global, all rights reserved adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world.   Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

As COP29 in Azerbaijan has come to a close, in this episode, our colleague Yosr Khèdr (Analyst, adelphi) joins the podcast to discuss the climate finance negotiations, the new Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, the shortcomings of the final text and what this means for COP30 in Belém. We also dive into what the negotiations mean for fragile and conflict affected countries, the significance of the second Peace Day and other positive outcomes from this year’s COP. Further links: Climate finance for peace: Event summary | Upscaling peace-positive climate action and climate-informed peacebuilding | Operationalising the Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace Declaration © adelphi global, all rights reserved  adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world.   Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

From key takeaways to a look behind the scenes, in this episode we take a deep dive into all things Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC). One of our hosts, Alexandra Steinkraus, switches hats and joins this episode as a guest along with another key member of the organising team, Laís Clemente. They share insights on how the conference is organised and discuss the role of different actors within the climate, peace and security space, why regional editions are so important, how to ensure geographic diversity and inclusion as a central principal of organising the conference - and more. Further links: Watch the BCSC livestreamed sessions | BCSC Event Summary | BCSC-Cali© adelphi global, all rights reserved adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world. Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

Biodiversity COP is around the corner. For the first time, the forum will look into how peace and security issues intersect with nature, and we are here for it. To understand the CBD COP process, how peace and security landed in the global biodiversity agenda, and to what to expect from the upcoming gathering of the community in Cali, we spoke with Florian Titze, Senior Policy Advisor for International Biodiversity Policy at WWF. Tune in to prepare for following the discussions around global biodiversity!Related links: BCSC-Cali:  Berlin Climate and Security Conference 2024 - Cali Edition Report The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review Catalogue of Nature-based Solutions for Peace and Security © adelphi global, all rights reserved  adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world. Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

What did you always want to know about climate, peace and security, but didn't know who to ask? In this episode, hosts Alexandra and Raquel address questions sent by you, spanning from meanings and definitions, through methodologies and approaches, to challenges and solutions. They discuss the development of the climate, peace and security narrative, common misconceptions, and practicalities of embbeding CPS considerations into interventions on the ground. Recommended resources: Climate change and security: a short Q&A Weathering Risk methodology The Nature of Conflict and Peace © adelphi global, all rights reserved  adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world. Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

As a heat dome drives record high temperatures for June across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), we speak with Ali Nasrallah, a green energy policy and climate security expert to discuss how climate change, rising temperatures and water scarcity are disrupting daily life and infrastructure, exacerbating tensions and contributing to new conflicts. We also speak about the energy transition and progress made -from regional leadership with COP27 and COP28- to national legislation and incentives, as well as the importance of prioritising cross-border programming, partnerships and how access to data and visualisation can increase transparency and build trust with different stakeholders. Discover the Climate-Security and Peacebuilding Thematic Review© adelphi global, all rights reserved adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world. Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

In an era of polycrisis, operationalising the humanitarian-development-peace nexus is crucial for finding solutions that create synergies between these areas, rather than looking at them individually. This is specially the case in conflict, fragile and displacement settings. In this episode, we speak with Grazia Pacillo, Senior Scientist and Co-Lead of CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security, about the climate-smart villages project, which tools it offers to avoid maladaptation and produce co-benefits, and the pathways through which it contributes to peace. We also speak about conflict sensitivity throughout the project cycle, the importance of partnerships, and how to build an evidence base for what (doesn't) work in climate security programming.Discover CGIAR'S Climate Security Programming Dashboard for Climate Finance (CSPDxCF).© adelphi global, all rights reserved adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world. Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).