This new report identifies 10 mechanisms linking water to violent conflict “as the ultimate threat multiplier”. These range from the use of water as a weapon, a melting arctic, migration and displacement, local water stress, variability in rainfall and food price spikes as contributing factors to violent conflict. The report is published by PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency and aims to employ ‘scientific’ approaches to understanding the role of water in conflict.
The study combines an extensive literature review with data analysis of two databases; Water conflict chronology, by the Pacific Institute and the Environment, Conflict and Co-operation (ECC) fact book by adelphi. It was used as a background to a hotspot analysis that recently came out and helped the theme to understand the different views on the relationship between water and conflict in existing literature. This report discusses how water relates to other relevant factors influencing conflict risk, such as conflict history, inequality, demography, economic conditions and education levels.
Click here to read the report.