Commentary by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, 6 October 2026
Against the backdrop of a weakening international norm against anti-personnel landmines, this article examines the long-term consequences of landmine contamination. While the humanitarian and security implications of contamination are well recognised, the authors argue that landmines also represent an environmental governance and climate security challenge.
The relationship between mines and climate security
The article highlights a two-way relationship between mines and environmental change: climate and environmental processes such as flooding, erosion and changing precipitation patterns can alter the location and detectability of mines, while mine contamination restricts access to land, disaster response and mine clearance. It should be noted that ongoing armed conflict can have a similar impact.
"Environmental and climate change can impact the extent of contamination and who is exposed to it, while contamination can constrain how communities respond to environmental and climate change."
These dynamics disproportionately affect vulnerable communities dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods.
The way forward
Decisions on clearance priorities are influenced by political, financial and institutional factors, while environmental and climate risks should also shape clearance planning. The authors therefore call for greater cross-sectoral cooperation between mine action and environmental authorities through information sharing and joint planning. This would help mining authorities to better anticipate the impact of environmental changes, while at the same time strengthening environmental governance by ensuring that mine contamination is considered.
This summary is based on extracts from report published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and written by Hana Manjušak and Dr Barbara Magalhães Teixeira. To read the full article, follow this link.
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