Building stability: Iraq’s interprovincial water disputes

Besides the transboundary water disputes with Turkey and Iran, provinces in Iraq are internally competing on the limited water recourses. Water Peace and Security Initiative (WPS) has identified interconnected factors that are impacting water availability and, hence, water-related conflicts at interprovincial level. In order to address these factors, WPS proposes three approaches as building blocks to stability: (1) researching interprovincial water challenges, (2) fostering dialogue between stakeholders and (3) supporting activities to prevent conflict risks.

Climate reporting with impact

The Planetary Security Initiative is starting a new climate reporting fellowship with Free Press Unlimited. During the upcoming 2.5 years, we will actively work with local journalists, academics and the youth in countries highly affected by climate change, mainly in the Middle East and Levant region. The fellowship aims to increase public awareness and spark international and local debate on climate-related security risks. First contributions were already published in local news outlets.

Drought ignites tribal conflicts in Southern Iraq

Disputes over water resources make up roughly 10% of the ongoing tribal conflicts in Southern Iraq. The disputes are subject to an increase in the light of recurring droughts caused by decreasing water flow from Tigris and Euphrates, radical environmental changes, and poor management. The droughts pose a serious threat to the fragile stability in the south, but local experts and communities come up with solutions to alleviate the tension.

Climate and Security in the Indo-Asia Pacific

The Indo-Asia Pacific region is highly exposed to climate change-driven hazards, including extreme hydrometeorological and heat events, sea-level rise and acidifying oceans. A new report by the Expert Group of the International Military Council on Climate and Security (IMCCS) presents an overview of climate change-related threats to security in the Indo-Asia Pacific region and urges Indo-Asia Pacific leaders to make climate change a “Security Priority”.

‘Water guards’: New book on environmental stresses in Iraq

A new book on environmental challenges related to water scarcity and biodiversity degradation in Iraq is published early this year. Planetary security Initiative interviewed the author, Khaled Sulaiman, to know more about his book, his views on Iraq's upcoming challenge and the role of journalism in bringing different actors together to develop long-term solutions.

Europe's approach in the Horn on climate security risks

A new policy paper by the Climate Security Expert Network and European Institute of Peace explores climate – conflict nexus in the Horn of Africa. The study summaries the science on the linkages between climate change and violence in the region, and presents an overview of how the EU and other European actors are approaching climate-related security risks in the Horn of Africa.

The impact of climate change on humanitarian disarmament

Climate change affects clearance activities of mines and cluster munition which requires improved collaboration and understanding of climate vulnerability. The Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) indicates three ways in which climate change affects the work of local mine action organizations.

How to prevent climate change from causing Basra to drown?

The southern region of Iraq is expected to be affected by the rising sea levels caused by climate change. Three projected scenarios simulating the impact on communities and infrastructure are examined in this article. The author proposes adopting nature-based solutions and modern technology to prepare and educate communities affected by the sea-level rise.

Webinar highlights "Iraq: climate, water & conflict in 2020"

On Wednesday, 8 July 2020 Planetary Security Initiative (PSI) hosted an interactive webinar "Iraq: Climate, water & Conflict in 2020" where we discussed climate and water security in Iraq in 2020 against the current political and security situation. The focus was on what can be done to reverse the situation and finding sustainable solutions on the management of natural resources. Here we summarise the main points of the discussion.
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