Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century and is becoming increasingly associated with conflicts. However, it would be wrong to assume that there are wars or conflicts that are caused by climate change alone. Climate change acts more so as a threat multiplier or a conflict driver – in other words, it adds more fuel to the fire. This is happening in various ways. For example, climate change is making resources scarce and therefore increasing competitive pressure. It is also destroying livelihoods, forcing people to migrate in certain circumstances. Alternatively, it is weakening state institutions by causing extreme weather events such as drought or flooding.
The authors of this magazine illustrate these problems but also explain how climate change could at the same time facilitate more cooperation: Nature is unimpressed by artificial borders and presents warring parties with a shared problem. In view of this “common enemy”, as one author so aptly puts it, opposing parties must work together. This will have a positive impact on peace efforts.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Amélie Lustenberger, editor of KOFF Magazine
