Environment and Conflict

Scarce resources, such as water and fertile land,
contribute to the conflict in Darfur.

Intrastate conflicts are likely to drag on and escalate without a greater focus on environment and natural resources in the peace building process, according to a new report launched by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP):

From Conflict to Peacebuilding - The Role of Natural Resources and the Environment

Facts about disasters:

• Since 2000, the world has witnessed over 35 major conflicts and some 2,500 disasters.
• Since 1990, at least eighteen violent conflicts have been fuelled by the exploitation of natural resources.
• Environmental degradation and climate change are major drivers in both forced and voluntary migration.
• 40% of all intrastate conflicts since 1960 have a link to natural resources.
• Intrastate conflicts linked to natural resources are twice as likely to relapse to conflict in five years.
• Less than a quarter of peace negotiations aiming to resolve conflicts with links to natural resources have addressed resource management mechanisms.