Africa Climate Security Risk Assessment - Executive Summary

DCCLXXIV) of May 2018 on rity of African countries and societies both directly “the link between climate change and conflicts in and indirectly by exacerbating existing political, Africa and addressing the security implications.” peace and security, and socioeconomic and devel- It subsequently reiterated in the PSC Commu- opment challenges. [...] for the development of a chairperson report on the nexus between climate change, peace and security Given these challenges, the Committee of African on the African continent, as well as the Common Heads of State and Government on Climate Change African Position on Climate Change, Peace and (CAHOSCC), together with the African Ministerial Security. [...] This means that, in order to address a lack of clarity regarding ownership and coor- climate-related security risks, the following areas dination, as well as a lack of harmonisation should receive particular attention: between peace and security architecture on the one hand, and the climate and development • Strengthen analysis, research and data col- pillar on the other hand. [...] Climate-related security risks are increasing across the African continent, particularly around • Use local and traditional knowledge and natural resource competition, access to food, water institutions: Using local, traditional and indige- and energy, migration and displacement, and nous knowledge and institutions are important armed groups. [...] collaboration between the AU Department of Political Particular thanks to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS), and the Department Impact Research for providing the climate data and of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and modelling for the regional chapters.