On 14 February, the first edition of the World Climate Security Report is presented in Luxembourg. The event is hosted by Deputy Prime Minister François Bausch who has recognized the need to put climate-security higher on the European and international agenda. General Tom Middendorp (ret.) will present the key findings of the report in Luxembourg and during the subsequent Munich Security Conference.

The world’s leading forum for international security policy, the Munich Security Conference, will take place from 14-16 February 2020. It will be joined by over 450 decision-makers and thought-leaders. Besides addressing traditional security topics, climate-security will be extensively discussed during a panel on the main stage on 15 February. Several related side-events are organized on 13 and 14 February as well. Stay tuned @PlanSecu

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign affairs is employing 8 million euros to introduce climate-resistance practices to the agriculture sector in Iraq. The four-year programme aims at enhancing the competitiveness of locally produced vegetables and fruits. The Iraq Horticulture Development Program will also have a significant impact on stability and food security in the country.

The business community is showing more concerns about climate risks impact on the world economy. MGI and WEF issued new reports demonstrating increased worries of private sector actors over climate change as a risk factor. Both reports pointed out that less developed countries and vulnerable groups are more prone to the dire impacts of climate change.

Land degradation due to climate change has endangered the livelihoods of rural communities and heightened the conflict between farmers and herders. Together with local organizations, Both ENDS initiated the program "Communities Regreen the Sahel" to help locals restore their lands, and, thus, increase agricultural production and stability.

Expert Alexander Verbeek explains the urgent need both for effective climate change action and for steps to be taken to prepare for life in a drastically different world, where global warming and related environmental degradation will impact on security.

Planetary Security Initiative met with William Leslie Amanzuru, an environmental activist from Uganda, to learn more about how local civil society organizations can fight against the consequences of climate change while working on building peace.

Putting a multidisciplinary approach to conflict risk analysis into practice, the Water, Peace and Security (WPS) partnership launched the WPS Global Early Warning Tool this week.

In order to explore further options for improved international responses to the risks posed to the environment by the activities of armed forces in conflict, the Republic of Estonia, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Peru will convene an Arria-formula meeting on 9 December 2019.

Humanitarian suffering should be at the forefront of analysis on war, but at the same time, environmental impact deserves a more prominent place at the conflict analysis table, as there are direct links with peacebuilding, conflict resolution and socio-economic reconstruction efforts.This article examines the key challenges that Syria’s environment and the people who depend on it are facing.