Climate change adaptation and peace

Climate change may have dramatic consequences for several regions. Most vulnerable are fragile countries with limited capacities to adapt. Without timely action, the stresses induced by climate change may increase the risk of violent conflict. Designing and implementing adaptation strategies is becoming imperative to mitigate conflict potentials and prevent escalation. This article will discuss existing national and international approaches with focus on the UNFCCC process. It will be emphasized that a purely technical understanding of adaptation is insufficient to cope with the socio‐political consequences of climate change. Indeed, adaptation may even contribute to conflict potentials if ill‐designed. Thus, it is necessary to develop conflict‐sensitive approaches complemented by internationally supported capacity development measures. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article is categorized under: Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation