Climate, Conflict, and Resilience in the MENA Region: Insights from Yemen’s Environmental and Social Frontlines
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 4:30–6:00 PM
Description
The nexus of climate change, environmental degradation and conflict poses unique challenges for the MENA region, where environmental vulnerabilities intersect with ongoing political instability. This talk focuses on Yemen as a case study of how war amplifies environmental degradation and exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, hindering pathways to sustainable peace. By integrating concepts of environmental peacebuilding and energy justice, the talk examines the dual role of resource governance and environmental stewardship in fostering resilience and reducing grievances. Addressing these challenges jointly will be essential not only for fostering long-term peace and stability in Yemen, but also for adapting to the accelerating impacts of climate change. The case of Yemen offers valuable lessons for other similarly affected contexts, highlighting the importance of environmental peacebuilding and resource governance in fragile states.Tobias Zumbrägel is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Geography Institute of Heidelberg University.This event is organized by the Peace and Conflict Studies Program with suppor from the Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program, the Environmental Studies program, and the Department of Geography.