Linking Environment and Conflict Prevention

The Role of the United Nations

Author(s): Simon A. Mason, Adrian Muller, Albrecht Schnabel, Rina Alluri, Christian Schmid
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; swisspeace
Publication Year: 2008

This report examines the links between environment and violent conflict and explores the role of the UN in preventing conflicts related to environmental factors. The authors argue that different types of environment-related conflicts must be acknowledged in order to achieve appropriate responses from the UN and other actors. The report concludes that the prevention of environment-related conflicts requires a balance between ecology and politics, a balance that varies depending on the case and the level of engagement.

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