Episode 56: A landmark ruling: What the ICJ's advisory opinion on climate change means for climate security

When the International Court of Justice delivered its landmark advisory opinion on climate change in July 2025, it did more than clarify legal obligations — it reframed climate action as a matter of human rights, justice, and global security. In this episode, we speak with Atieh Khatibi, PhD researcher project assistant at the Research Center for Climate Law (ClimLaw: Graz), University of Graz, to unpack what the opinion actually says, where its limits lie, and what it means for multilateral negotiations, domestic policymaking, and climate litigants worldwide. Drawing on her work in Iran, where climate stress, socioeconomic grievance, and political fragility intersect acutely, Atieh further reflects on what the opinion's reach looks like in contexts of active conflict and state fragility. We close by asking: what do high-emitting states, vulnerable nations, and civil society each need to do differently — and where is there reason for optimism? Further resources: The International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on Climate Change: A New Mandate for Climate Security (report) Read the advisory opinion and lastest developments © adelphi global, all rights reservedadelphi 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 Iraq, climate stress is colliding with fragile governance and long-standing social fault lines. Rising heat, shrinking rainfall and worsening water scarcity are reshaping daily life and, without careful stewardship, can deepen tensions between communities and authorities. Yet when climate-related security risks are reframed as shared challenges rather than sources of blame, they can help facilitate dialogue and cooperation. In this episode, we speak with Nike Löble and Peshtiwan Al Dawoudi from the Berghof Foundation about their work strengthening Iraqi capacities to respond to climate risks across five districts. From the Al Zubair Social Pact bridging divides between displaced persons and host communities, to water-sharing agreements in Kalar, we explore what makes climate-focused dialogues effective in contexts marked by deep-seated grievances and mistrust. We also discuss how to measure impact through outcome harvesting and translate evaluation findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners and donors. The project is a part of the Weathering Risk Peace Pillar. More information can be found here.Further resources:Toolkit on climate-focused mediation and dialogueEvaluation synthesisBridging divides between IDPs and host communities in Iraq through dialogues on climate change (impact story)Addressing environmental and water challenges unites divided villages in north eastern Kurdistan Iraq (impact story)Bridging divides and tackling water scarcity: Community dialogue as climate action in Iraq (impact story)Climate security challenges in Iraq: Entry points for local-level dialogue (report)© adelphi global, all rights reservedadelphi 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)

For the last episode of 2025, we're joined by Jonah Thompson, EU Policy Manager at the Center for Countering Digital Hate, who also works on EU policy at Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD). Together, we explore the connection between climate disinformation and security—and how it undermines crisis response, erodes trust and fuels security risks in today's geopolitical climate. Tune in as we unpack the threat landscape, the platform mechanics that amplify harmful narratives, recent examples where misinformation outpaced emergency communications and how climate disinformation attempts to weaken institutions like NATO and the EU. Further reading:Extreme weather: How a storm of false and misleading claims about extreme weather events spread unchecked on social media putting lives as risk (report)The new climate denial: How social media platforms and content producers profit by spreading new forms of climate denial (report)Climate action against disinformation (coalition website)Watch the BCSC 2025 session on climate security and disinformation (video)© adelphi global, all rights reservedadelphi 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)

Marking 25 years of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, in collaboration with UN Women, this episode explores how gender-responsive climate action can pave the way to sustainable peace. We are joined by Norul Rashid and Japhet William Graham Eichel from UN Women’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, who share insights from across the region and beyond. Together, they examine how climate impacts intersect with gender norms and security challenges, and why women’s leadership is vital in building resilience. The discussion highlights grassroots initiatives, such as youth-led climate action in Pakistan and women’s mediation efforts in the Pacific and Afghanistan, exploring both the barriers and transformative potential of women’s participation. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how the four pillars of the WPS agenda—participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery—can address the inseparable challenges of peace and climate resilience.Further reading:  Weathering Two Storms: Gender and Climate in Peace and Security Gender Responsive Climate Security Assessment for Sri Lanka  Disasters, crises and violence against women: Evidence from big data analysis © adelphi global, all rights reservedadelphi 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 critical intersection of climate, environment, and human security in Brazil with Laís Clemente, Analyst in adelphi’s Climate Diplomacy and Security team. As Brazil prepares to host COP30, Laís unpacks the country’s most pressing climate and environmental challenges, from land and water conflicts to environmental crime and extreme weather, and discusses how Brazil’s unique ecosystems like the Amazon and Cerrado shape both risks and opportunities. We examine the strengths and gaps in Brazil’s policy responses, the importance of empowering local and traditional communities, and the country’s evolving leadership role in global climate diplomacy. Further reading: Report: Climate, environment and human security in Brazil: Response landscape and leadership opportunities

In this episode we're joined by Assem Mayar, independent researcher and Climate Security Expert Network member, specialising in climate change, transboundary water management and environmental security. Assem shares insights on challenges and opportunities in Central Asia and Afghanistan, possible solutions in regional initiatives, decentralised finance and innovative funding mechanisms, as well as what the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty means for wider the region going forward.  Further resources:Policy Brief No. 221: Afghanistan's Climate Crisis: A Call for Decentralised and Inclusive Finance | The Economic Consequences of Climate Change for Afghanistan: Losses, projections... and pathways to mitigation | Left Behind: Why Afghanistan Cannot Tackle Climate Change Alone | The Indus Water Treaty Suspension: A Wake-Up Call for Asia-Pacific Unity?© adelphi global, all rights reservedadelphi 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)

This month, hosts Alexandra and Raquel celebrate the 50th episode by looking back continent by continent at the countries and regions that have been covered since 2019 on the podcast. From Kazakhstan to Mali to the Caribbean, guests have echoed the need for intersectional and inclusive research and programming, more and better climate finance in fragile and conflict-affected areas and the importance of local expertise and initiatives. Thank you for tuning in month after month over the last 50 episodes!  Recommended resources:Climate Security Expert Network © 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).

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).