In Iraq, climate change and conflict have a significant impact on the agriculture sector, in general, and farming communities, in particular. Due to the conflict with ISIS mid- 2014, farmers were forced to leave their land behind- their primary source for food and income- but harsh weather conditions made it even harder to return after two years. The UNHCR helped returnees replant the lands and improve stability.

Slándáil 2020 is Ireland’s inaugural security summit which aims at connecting government, industry, academia and civil society. A climate security session will be held on 25 February. Dr. Louise van Schaik (Clingendael & Planetary Security Initiative) will discuss what could be done to reduce security risks related to climate change and other environmental stresses

This new PSI policy brief looks at the under-researched relationship between urbanization and climate-security. Globally the amount of people living in cities is one the rise and non-conflict violence in cities is on the rise. While cities worldwide face climate risks, cities of the global South are struggling most to combined the pace of urban growth with a lack of natural resources. This results in poor planning and highly unequal processes of urbanization, where tensions over these resources are on the rise.

The World Climate Security Report 2020 is published on February 13th. It is the first global assessment and comprehensive overview of climate-related security risks.The report is published by IMCCS together with PSI and other partners. The IMCCS consists of senior military leaders and security experts representing 31 countries, who argue the military needs to address all credible threats to their respective nation’s security, including climate change impacts.

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.