Risking the Future: Climate Change, Environmental Destruction, and Conflict in Yemen
Publisher: Center for Civilians in Conflict
Author(s): Niku Jafarnia
Date: 2022
Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Causes, Gender, Livelihoods, Renewable Resources
Countries: Yemen
CIVIC’s research demonstrates that climate change and environmental degradation must be addressed immediately to promote stability and prevent the outbreak of further conflicts over access to resources and contribute to inter- and intra-communal tensions. Further, extremist groups and warring parties may utilize resource scarcity to recruit individuals to their groups, leading to the strengthening of these groups. The Yemeni government, security forces, and international community must cooperate in order to effectively confront the civilian harm threats posed by climate change. Warring parties must immediately cease tactics that are further degrading the environment and causing long-lasting harm to civilians—either directly or through their impact on land, water, and food. Communities must also be provided opportunities to self-advocate and contribute to solutions that take their specific needs into account.
While efforts to end the current conflict and secure sustainable peace are the priority and a necessary first step to both ensuring civilian protection and ending the extensive harm caused by the war, it is also a necessary one in order to allocate more resources to rebuilding the country. The impending climate crisis in Yemen is an opportunity for international and local actors to work together toward building a sustainable system of resource management and governance in Yemen.