“Climate Change is exacerbating existing conflict and creating new sources of tension” Lamarche’s Report Analysis by Amira Kaba
Climate change is a major factor in the crisis facing the Lake Chad basin in west and central Africa. A report by human rights group Refugees International has highlighted how droughts, flooding, and a shrinking Lake Chad are fuelling conflict and migration in the region. The report calls for the issue to be addressed at a high-level international conference on the Lake Chad basin that is due to take place next week in Niamey, Niger’s capital.
The report found that shrinking natural resources due to adverse weather are heightening tensions across communities and displacing people. Around 3 million people have been displaced and an additional 11 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. According to the United Nations weather agency, the Lake Chad basin is particularly vulnerable to climate change related extreme events such as floods and droughts.
A provisional agenda of the summit suggests that the “adverse impacts of climate change” will feature as part of peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts. Alexandra Lamarche, the lead author of the report, has called on international donors to commit to long-term solutions to address the nexus between climate change, violence, and displacement in the region.
Climate change is a global problem that needs to be addressed, and the Lake Chad basin is a prime example of how its effects can be devastating. It is encouraging to see the international community coming together to try and find solutions to this crisis. However, it is essential that long-term solutions are implemented to ensure the safety and security of the people living in the region.
It is also important to remember that the Lake Chad basin is not the only region facing climate change-fueled crises. Other areas such as the Amazon rainforest and the Arctic are also feeling the effects of climate change. It is vital that world leaders take action now to ensure that the effects of climate change are addressed and that the people in these regions are supported.
In order to effectively combat climate change, there must be a shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable sources of energy. Governments must also invest in infrastructure and technology that is resilient to the impacts of climate change. International cooperation will be essential; the Paris Climate Agreement is a step in the right direction. The world must come together to protect the environment and ensure the safety and security of vulnerable communities around the world.
and the successful outcomes of the Fifth UN Conference for LDCs in 2023.
Amira Kaba is a highly experienced geopolitical analyst with a focus on Africa. She has spent over a decade studying and analyzing the political, economic, and social developments in various African countries, and has a deep understanding of the complex issues that shape the continent’s political landscape. With her extensive knowledge, analytical skills, and passion for Africa, Amira is a leading voice in R2iNTEL.
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author.
They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the AMeAR|News, R2iNTEL or its members.