Episode 35: Damage control: Unpacking rules and recommendations to protect the environment during armed conflict

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).

Livelihoods are how the necessities of life are secured. They are a determining factor in many contexts around the world. Many livelihoods are dependent on a healthy environment and a stable climate, making them particularly sensitive to climate and environmental crises.  At the same time, they are deeply entangled with social and economic dynamics. As a consequence, livelihoods form a key pathway in the climate-security nexus. In this host-to-host deep dive, we get to talk a bit about our how livelihood security features in our own work, a few experiences and findings, as well as key entry points and recommendations that have emerged from our projects and initiatives at adelphi.Further readings: Climate, Peace and Security Assessment: Mali Next steps towards an inclusive Climate, Peace and Security Agenda  Weathering Risk methodology  Climate Security Study: Kenya  Pacific Climate Security Assessment Guide © adelphi research, all rights reserved  adelphi research (https://adelphi-research.de/en) is a non-profit independent think tank for environmental and development policy research and analysis. Our mission is to enable transformative change and to create a sustainable future for generations to come.Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

Colombia faces multiple challenges - from a complex peacebuilding process after more than 50 years of armed conflict to growing climate change impacts on its natural resources. Disputes over land use and governance have been at the heart of Colombia's struggle, and while everyone has been affected by it, indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities take a particularly high toll. This episode addresses the importance of considering environmental factors in pursuing victim-centred and community-based approaches to transitional and restorative justice. It also discusses lessons from the Colombian case for the international humanitarian justice system. Tune in for compelling insights from regional experts Valeria Patricia Moscoso Urzúa (Justice Rapid Response) and Héctor Morales Muñoz (adelphi).This episode was produced in cooperation with Justice Rapid Response.*The acronym JEP, mentioned several times in this episode, means 'Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz' (=Special Jurisdiction for Peace)Related resources:  Report 'A Dangerous Climate' Watch explainer on how climate and land issues relates to Colombia's armed conflict (Spanish/English) © adelphi research, all rights reserved  adelphi research (https://adelphi-research.de/en) is a non-profit independent think tank for environmental and development policy research and analysis. Our mission is to enable transformative change and to create a sustainable future for generations to come.Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

Haiti is facing a deep security, political and humanitarian crisis and is simultaneously one of the most vulnerable countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to climate change. Rising temperatures and declining rainfall have intensified drought and climate-related storms are growing more intense, causing devastating flooding. By adversely impacting livelihoods, food security, water scarcity and health conditions, climate change is exacerbating the current multifaceted and complex crisis grappling the country.In this episode, we bring together the researchers behind the Roots for Peace report to discuss experiences conducting the study, setting up the Haiti Climate Security Working Group and share with the broader research community, the lessons learnt while doing so. We also take a look at the main pathways of climate and insecurity in Haiti identified in the study, recommendations and next steps. Join us for this insightful conversation with Paule Juneau (UNEP Haiti), Beatrice Mosello (adelphi) and Jessica Hsu (Haiti-based researcher & anthropologist).Discover the "Roots for Peace" report: adelph.it/WRHaiti© adelphi research, all rights reserved  adelphi research (https://adelphi-research.de/en) is a non-profit independent think tank for environmental and development policy research and analysis. Our mission is to enable transformative change and to create a sustainable future for generations to come.Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

Since 2014, Yemen has been ravaged by civil war. Our guest today - Yemeni journalist, writer and activist Hind Al-Eryani - brings to light how the war is impacting the lives of women, children, LGBTQ+ communities and religious minorities. Hind explains how women's righs have benn deteriorating in Yemen, and the ways in which this affects society as a whole, for example by hindering climate adaptation. We look into the impacts of climate change on resources, particularly water, and how this fed into insecurity dynamics in the lead up to the conflict, and we discuss whether Germany's feminist foreign policy approach can spill over to women affected by climate change in insecurity worldwide.© adelphi research, all rights reserved adelphi research (https://adelphi-research.de/en) is a non-profit independent think tank for environmental and development policy research and analysis. Our mission is to enable transformative change and to create a sustainable future for generations to come.Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

So much can be said about how war and conflict disrupt the environment. The effects on human lives are excruciating and long-lived, making environmental protection a priority for human security - even in armed conflicts. On this International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War, we’ve partnered with PAX to put together an episode looking at how rules and recommendations can help protect the environment in armed conflict under international law and create precedents for prevention. Join our guests Wim Zwijnenburg (PAX) and Helen Obregón Gieseken (ICRC) for this exciting conversation.© adelphi research, all rights reserved adelphi research (https://adelphi-research.de/en) is a non-profit independent think tank for environmental and development policy research and analysis. Our mission is to enable transformative change and to create a sustainable future for generations to come.Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).