Conflict mitigation as a means of climate change adaptation: Lessons for policy and development practice

Abstract

In this article, we examine the ways conflict can drive climate change vulnerability and, in turn, argue that conflict mitigation can act as a means of climate change adaptation. We identify three key ways in which conflict mitigation enhances adaptation opportunities: (a) addressing conflict dynamics increases opportunities to address climate risks; (b) grounded analysis of conflict dynamics often reveals high-value opportunities for climate change-oriented programs as well as potential maladaptations to be avoided; and (c) conflict mitigation interventions which rely heavily on governance can be leveraged in climate change adaptation efforts. This has multiple implications for global climate change policy, especially when one considers key climate security outcomes emanating from international policy discussions such as COP 28. We conclude this article by identifying three under-examined—and practical—lines of inquiry that would address key knowledge gaps in how to fortify climate resilience in conflict-affected regions.