New report finds major social cohesion losses in climate vulnerable areas and assesses existing programming and next steps

Climate impacts are intensifying, but knowledge of social impacts is limited. This DIIS Report documents novel findings of considerable social cohesion losses in highly vulnerable areas of the Sahel and West Africa affected by climate change, forced mobility and insecurity. It finds that social cohesion losses are widespread and that these losses have negative material as well as social impacts. Yet the report’s assessment of current social cohesion programming shows that focus on climate-related losses to social cohesion is limited. Rather, focus is on areas affected by forced mobility, instability and conflict. Extensive social cohesion losses are therefore likely going overlooked and unaddressed.