A recently published Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet examines the convergence of climate change and violent conflict, which has undermined livelihoods and security in Somalia. It offers a range of recommended actions for the international community to address these issues effectively.
Somalia is grappling with the severe impact of climate change, including its worst drought on record from 2021 to 2023, displacement of people, and potential famine. This Fact Sheet outlines four pathways linking climate change to peace and security issues:
- livelihood deterioration,
- migration and mobility, military and armed actors,
- political and economic exploitation,
- mismanagement.
Recommended actions include supporting the Somali government's capacity to respond to extreme weather events, addressing displacement as a humanitarian and peacebuilding priority, and enhancing the capacity of the Somali armed forces to analyze and prevent climate-related security risks. Additionally, it highlights the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in addressing climate change and conflict in Somalia, particularly in livelihood alternatives and resilience-building efforts.
This was a summary of the Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet, published by SIPRI in 23 September. It was authored by Katongo Seyuba, Kheira Tarif, Asha Ali , Dr Kyungmee Kim, Dr Thor Olav Iversen and Dr Minoo Koefoed.
Read the full fact sheet here.