International Crisis Group chief says it's time to take climate change seriously in conflict resolution

Addressing Climate Change's Impact on Conflicts in Africa: A Call for Action from ICG Leaders

President Ero, leading the International Crisis Group (ICG) since 2021, previously worked at the United Nations and in West Africa for the ICG. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents and extensively working and living on the African continent, Ero was actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in Liberia.

One of the critical areas ICG monitors is the impacts of climate change, particularly in Africa, including the Sahel Zone and the Horn of Africa. The Organisation has urged political leaders to consider mitigation strategies as climate change acts as a destabilizing factor.

Recently, CNN interviewed Ero during the COP28 climate summit and at the Doha Forum – an annual political gathering in Doha's capital.

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

CNN: Is climate change serving as an obstacle in resolving conflicts in Africa?

Ero: I wouldn't necessarily say it's an obstacle, but it's one of the key challenges we must address. Countries already affected by conflicts and violence have to cope with droughts and floods, whether in the Horn of Africa or the Sahel Zone. Our challenge is to manage the competition for resources, respond to displacements caused by climate shocks such as droughts and floods, and deal with the issue within the context of violence and conflicts, and address the question of instability.

What should global leaders do at this juncture?

We need to take climate change seriously. It's existential and transnational. We must not only think about losses and damages but also about how we can support countries in dealing with adaptation and resilience. Financial resources are not only required for damage repair but also for supporting countries to develop the capacity and skills to tackle the various challenges they face.

What do you expect to achieve at this year's Doha Forum?

More diplomatic contributions can be found here. Let's give diplomacy a chance rather than relying solely on military confrontation to solve conflicts. There's more listening, more understanding, more empathy on both sides of the conflict. From ICG's perspective, the most significant challenge today is the crisis of peacemaking – and we need to focus on giving peace a chance.

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The impact of climate change in Africa, particularly in the Sahel Zone and the Horn of Africa, is contributing to an unstable environment. ICG leader Ero emphasizes the need for global leaders to take climate change seriously, acknowledging it as an existential and transnational threat. They should consider how to support countries experiencing adaptation and resilience challenges, not just providing funds for disaster recovery.

Enrichment Data:

To effectively address climate change impacts as a destabilizing factor in conflict-prone regions in Africa, particularly the Sahel Zone and the Horn of Africa, international leaders can take several actions to support adaptation and resilience:

1. Increase Climate Adaptation Funding: Historically, the Horn of Africa has received less than the average amount of climate adaptation funding per capita for lower-income countries despite its high ranking in climate vulnerability indices.
2. Promote Nature-Based Solutions: Implementing nature-based solutions such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and mangrove protection can build resilience against hazards like flooding, heat, and drought, while providing additional benefits like job creation, improved farm yields, and increased incomes.
3. Strengthen Governance and Policy: Implementing policies that address governance challenges can help mitigate climate-related conflicts. In the Sahel, e.g., strong institutional weaknesses exacerbate environmental hardships.
4. Engage Local Communities: Involve local communities in climate adaptation efforts by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving water management, and building early warning systems for natural disasters.
5. Support Climate Research and Data Collection: Ensure that climate research in the region is adequately resourced to better understand the impacts of climate change and develop targeted adaptation strategies.
6. Encourage Regional Cooperation: Promote regional cooperation through organizations like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in the Horn of Africa to address trans-boundary issues such as water rights and border disputes.
7. Address Socio-Economic Challenges: Support sustainable agriculture practices and ensure equitable access to resources to address the root causes of food insecurity, which is exacerbated by climate change.
8. International Diplomacy and Mediation: Facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to escalated military responses. International bodies like the United Nations can play a significant role in mediating and promoting peace and stability.

By implementing these strategies, international leaders can address climate change's destabilizing effects in conflict-prone regions like the Sahel Zone and the Horn of Africa, thereby supporting adaptation and resilience.