Undercurrents: How conflict, climate change and the environment intersect in Yemen

Undercurrents examines the complex relationship between war, increasing climate-related hazards and environmental degradation in Yemen that are undermining security and driving further conflict, particularly at the local level. Undertaken in collaboration with the European Institute of Peace, the assessment highlights why climate and environmental action must be part of Yemen’s conflict mitigation and peacebuilding processes at different levels.

In 2024, Yemen entered its tenth year of civil war. Fought primarily between the Yemeni government, Houthi forces and international proxies, the war has caused one of the largest global humanitarian disasters since 1945. In addition to the violent power struggles of national and regional actors, an array of local conflicts results in significant casualties and destruction each year. Many of Yemen’s local conflicts revolve around access to dwindling natural resources, particularly water and land – a problem that has plagued the country and its people for decades. Now, climate change and the environmental impacts of the war are critically reducing the availability of natural resources, undermining social cohesion and fuelling conflict. This assessment aims to highlight the deep environmental and climate crises that are unfolding amidst Yemen’s civil war, perpetuating conflict among Yemenis today and undermining long-term peace efforts.

Key findings include:

Water 

• Climate change is likely to exacerbate long-standing water scarcity problems, while the civil war is reducing water access. Women and girls are bearing the brunt of these impacts.
• Civil war actors on both sides are weaponising water resources, aggravating insecurity and conflict dynamics.
• Conflicts over available water resources lead to thousands of deaths every year.

Land

• Climate-induced desertification and flooding are reducing arable land, leading to competition and conflict between farmers.
• Insufficient management of the interconnected issues of extreme weather events, war and displacement is causing these issues to grow. 
• War and land seizures exacerbate the scarcity of arable land, which in turn fuels conflict. 

The findings of this assessment underscore the importance of streamlining climate adaptation and sustainable environmental management into conflict mitigation and peacebuilding processes to achieve peace. On this basis, the assessment provides recommendations to international organisations and donors, Yemeni authorities and civil society organisations towards integrated action on climate change, environmental degradation and conflict.