The Weaponization of the Environment in Times of Climate Change (Working Title)
The chance that governments or opposition groups strike at water, food and energy resources and related systems and herewith use the environment as target, weapon and tool to demonstrate their clout, oppress civilians or gain ground in combat, is a real one. The threat of the weaponization the environment (WotE) is highly alarming, as it can undermine modern civilization, which is founded on the provision of food, clean water and energy. While existing literature widely discusses the links between environmental change and human security and the international community puts great efforts in fostering global resource security, the scientific understanding and global awareness of the WotE remains limited. Existing research on the WotE mainly focuses on the Middle East, it is based on secondary data and strongly prioritizes the analysis of water, neglecting the weaponization of food and energy resources and systems. This research proposal explores under which circumstances the environment is weaponized. It emphasizes that there is no mechanic link in the environment-human interaction and therefore it analyses the indirect and context-sensitive links between environmental change and human security. With a mixed-method approach, it explores the WotE among societies living in drought-stressed regions in three countries in Africa. To gain insight into the local socio-economic, political, demographic and environmental factors, the qualitative research approach will consist of case studies, building on discourse analysis, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. This method is complemented with quantitative data, in particular concerning local specific climatic conditions. Results are expected to provide solutions on how the environment and its resources can be safeguarded through advancements in international law and better enforcement mechanisms. In light of a changing environment and evidence of the WotE, solutions are urgently needed to ensure human security, prosperity and equity in climate-fragile regions.
- An Ancient Practice with a New Face | 2020
Kohler, Christina (2020): An Ancient Practice with a New Face. The Use of Water as a Weapon in Times of Climate Change, PRIF Spotlight 9/2020, Frankfurt/M.
- Download publication // Show details
- Climate Change makes the Weaponization of Resources more effective than ever before | 2020
Kohler, Christina (2020): Climate Change makes the Weaponization of Resources more effective than ever before, Deutsche Gesellschaft für die Vereinten Nationen e.V., 17.3.2020.
- Show details
- Understanding environmental terrorism in times of climate change: Implications for asylum seekers in Germany | 2019
Kohler, Christina/dos Santos, Carlos Denner/Bursztyn, Marcel (2019): Understanding environmental terrorism in times of climate change: Implications for asylum seekers in Germany, in: Research in Globalization, 1:1, DOI: 10.1016/j.resglo.2019.100006.
- Show details