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UN CLIMATE, PEACE AND SECURITY DIALOGUE SERIES: Transitioning to clean and sustainable energies: what opportunities for peace?
Building on the outcomes of the experts’ roundtable on Climate, Peace and Security co-organized by the UNSSC, the University of Turin and King’s College London in May 2023, the UN Climate, Peace and Security Dialogue Series will serve as a free forum to generate new ideas and debate on emerging research topics, involving UN practitioners from the inter-agency Community of Practice on Climate, Peace and Security and relevant academic institutions focusing in particular on Global South debates.
The series will take place in the lead-up to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) and address some of the key topics and themes put forward by the UAE Presidency in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
In particular, COP28 will feature for the first time a thematic day on Relief, Recovery, and Peace focusing on accelerating adaptation and preventing and addressing loss and damage, including in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, that face considerable barriers to accessing climate finance and strengthening climate action.
The second webinar aims to explore opportunities for peace that arise from transitioning to clean and sustainable energies.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address the climate crisis and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the shift towards renewable energy sources presents a unique opportunity to foster peace and stability through a just transition. Examining the interlinkages between energy, security and climate action is all the more strategic as conflict may result in the destruction of renewable energy, irrigation and other infrastructure; at the same time, energy and water infrastructure are strategic assets which may be targeted by non-state armed groups.
By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable energy solutions, countries can mitigate the drivers of conflict related to resource scarcity, competition and geopolitical tensions. Renewables may afford decentralized access to energy in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, which can facilitate access to clean water and other basic and emergency services and help restart livelihoods and local economic development, locking in resilience and more sustainable development pathways to recover from crises.
This webinar will bring together research experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to discuss the potential synergies between clean energy transitions and peacebuilding efforts. Participants will delve into case studies, innovative approaches, and policy recommendations that highlight the transformative power of sustainable energy in promoting peace and sustainability.
As a dialogue between researchers and practitioners on best practice and lessons learned, the webinar aims to identify opportunities to further close the research-policy-practice loop and guide stakeholders towards a future of clean and sustainable energy systems that contribute to a more peaceful and resilient world.