Executive Summary

The project will build on the progress the Climate Security Mechanism has made since it was established as a joint initiative by DPPA, UNDP and UNEP in October 2018. By leveraging existing expertise and knowledge, the CSM achieved significant results in “Phase I” of its work, including: guidance in the shape of a Climate Security Toolbox with a conceptual approach to climate-related security risk assessments; enhanced partnerships with UN and other entities; an internal stocktaking of UN activities; and targeted advocacy at the senior and working levels across and beyond the UN system to raise greater awareness of the interlinkages between climate change, prevention and sustaining peace.

This project, supported by Sweden, Germany, Norway and the UK, will further mainstream the analysis and management of climate-related security risks into the work of the UN system at the field level.1

Concerted outreach and engagement with UN leaders and key partners, the development of integrated political analysis and prevention strategies, and advice on policy, planning and programming processes will promote a crosscutting approach to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 and 16, and their interconnections with SDGs 1, 2, 5, 6, and 15. The project will strengthen the evidence base on climate-related security risks through policy and practice networks, leveraging international, cross-sectoral collaboration, the exchange of information and good practices, and enhanced capacity across UN system entities for early warning, response and management strategies to address climaterelated security risks.

To this end, this project will support relevant analysis and reporting mechanisms in the UN system, advise on the development of effective risk prevention and management strategies, facilitate the consolidation of a regular UN interagency consultation forum on climate security, and strengthen collaboration with outside research entities to generate policy relevant knowledge. The CSM will support regional and country-specific climate-related security risk assessments as well as the development of response strategies to test and validate the CSM’s conceptual approach and to inform policy, planning and programming work. Proposed sub-regions to receive support include: Andean States, Arab States, Central Africa, Horn of Africa, Liptako Gourma Region, Northern Central America, and West Africa/Sahel. To the extent possible, relevant work in other countries or regions which are highly exposed to climate-related security risks, such as Small Island Developing States, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh will be supported as well. A gender perspective, including considerations of the gender specific consequences of climate change on peace and security and the different coping and adaptive capacities that women, men, girls and boys possess, will be incorporated in all analytical and technical advisory work of the CSM.

The project will be catalytic, extending the scope of the Mechanism to work directly with field entities and (sub-)regional partners and creating a network of advisors/regional specialists to advance work on the ground. The project aims to support and empower UN entities and (sub-)regional actors with the knowledge and capacities they need to better support national and local governments as well as affected communities, while promoting coordination between global headquarters and the field, and exchange between and within (sub-)regions. Through close coordination with partners with an established presence in proposed regions, the project will allow the Climate Security Mechanism to provide technical support where needed, while maintaining a light overall footprint.

Expected Outcomes:

Climate-related security risk dimensions are integrated into the work of UN development, climate change, peace and security actors, including in political analysis and prevention strategies as well as policy, planning and programming decisions.

Expected Outputs:

1. Awareness raised among development, climate change, peace and security actors on approaches for climate-related security risks through outreach and engagement with relevant partners
2. Improved knowledge generation and management for policy support
3. Climate-related security risk assessments and related follow-up activities supported in focus regions, including with regional organisations and development partners
4. Climate-related security risk assessments and related follow-up activities supported in focus regions with UN field missions
5. Advocacy and convening relevant actors to promote appropriate action

Implementing Agencies:

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

In close collaboration with the Group of Friends and Climate and Security, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Adelphi, (Centre for International Climate and Environmental Research) CICERO, the Expert Working Group and Network on Climate-Related Security Risks, the UN Community of Practice on Climate Security, and other partners.