The nature of conflict and peace: The links between environment, security and peace and their importance for the United Nations

A report by WWF and adelphi looks at the complex nexus between nature and security. The report outlines four pathways through which environmental degradation and biodiversity loss act as drivers of insecurity and exacerbate conflict situations, besides advancing further environmental degradation.

Biodiversity loss and climate change

Through humanity’s wide-ranging impacts on nature, the safe operating space for the Earth’s natural systems to provide the basis for human wellbeing, prosperity and security has now been crossed. This is particularly true for two closely interlinked crises: biodiversity loss and climate change. Ecosystems, which both sustain and depend on a balanced climate and healthy biodiversity, are at the centre of this double crisis.

Increasing insecurity and conflict

At the same time, the world is experiencing increasing insecurity and conflict. Both intrastate and interstate conflict had been declining since the end of the Cold War, but in the last decade, the number of war deaths has risen significantly again compared to the preceding decade. Hand in hand with these developments, geopolitical tensions between regional and global powers have increased as well. Today in 2022, with the war in Ukraine, geopolitical tensions have reached levels reminiscent of the Cold War that will likely shape global politics and relationships for the years to come.

The climate-security nexus and the nature-security nexus overlap and cannot be fully addressed independently of one another. In fact, environmental factors are often a critical link in the pathway from climate change impacts to security risks. However, the nature-security nexus comprises additional interactions in which climate impacts play no or only smaller aggravating roles. Hence, the nature-security nexus puts biodiversity and ecosystems rather than climate change at its centre. This perspective allows for assessing the whole breadth of interactions between environment, peace and security.

Environmental degradation and biodiversity loss can negatively affect natural resources, livelihoods and human security, which in turn can contribute to conflicts, crime and political instability. At the same time, war and conflict have direct negative impacts on the environment and environmental crime and illegal exploitation of natural resources, ecosystems and wildlife, and play a role in prolonging conflict, undermining peace processes and fostering organised crime.

A comprehensive environmental security agenda

The authors of the study therefore propose a comprehensive environmental security agenda that all actors in the field of security, environment and development should commit to. Joint action should focus on addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, insecurity and conflict. The four identified pathways of the nature-security nexus can serve as multi-dimensional starting points for future action and possible next steps in shaping a comprehensive environmental security agenda. This would complement existing activities and initiatives on climate-related security risks.

Recommendations for the UN

The report contains several constructive proposals for various UN bodies, programmes, funding instruments, specialised agencies and committees. For example, the researchers advise the UN Security Council to take the nature-security nexus into account in peacekeeping missions. It is recommended that the General Assembly be institutionally strengthened to address the nature-security nexus throughout the UN system. The Development Programme (UNDP) should further strengthen its integrated programmes linking sustainable development, environment and human security. The World Food Programme (WFP) could further develop strategies to reduce aid and assistance dependency in the long term.