Climate, Peace and Security in Somalia

One of the nations most impacted by the long-term repercussions of global warming, which is already making life more difficult, is Somalia. Severe flooding and recurrent droughts, particularly in the Beledweyne district, jeopardize the community's general living circumstances and threaten the security of food and livelihood.

Between 2021 and 2023, Somalia saw its worst drought on record due to an unprecedented five unsuccessful rainy seasons in a row, which caused hundreds of thousands of people to be displaced, severely damaged livelihoods, and raised the possibility of starvation in some areas. In some of the areas worst hit by the drought, clan militias and the Somali armed forces began conducting operations against al-Shabab in August 2022. Strong evaluations and responses to climate-related security vulnerabilities are more important than ever as long as conflict and climate change continue to spread rapidly in Somalia.

In Somalia, the combination of violent conflict and climate change is destroying livelihoods, which has an effect on people's security as well as that of their homes, businesses, and personal lives. The effects of climate change resulted in the displacement of over a million Somalis in 2022. Long-term displacement is a common situation for many disadvantaged people, both in rural and increasingly in metropolitan and periurban settings. A dangerous humanitarian situation is made more complicated by the simultaneous effects of a multi-year drought and an increase in conflict operations against al-Shabab in central Somalia. Minority groups are disproportionately affected by climate-related calamities, and local resilience is still at risk from elite rent-seeking behavior. The federal member states of Somalia and the Somali government should be assisted by their partners in monitoring and mitigating the impact of extreme weather events on livelihoods, food security, and agricultural productivity. The government of Somalia must made the following recommendations, which will improve the situation.

1. Livelihood Stabilization: - Agricultural Assistance:

Climate peace programs frequently center on enhancing water management, introducing drought-resistant crops, and improving agricultural methods. This guarantees farmers can continue to produce even in the face of shifting climate conditions. Food Safety: Stabilized food production lowers the likelihood of famine and food shortages, which have historically sparked war and displacement. This is made possible by more resilient agricultural systems.

2. Reduction of Conflict: - Management of Resources:

In Somalia, competition over limited resources, such as water and grazing area, is a major cause of conflict. By encouraging cooperative resource management, climate security initiatives ease tensions within and between communities. - Preventing Extremism: Climate peace programs have the potential to decrease the recruiting pool for extremist groups by tackling the root causes of poverty, lack of education, and resource shortages that make communities susceptible to radicalization.

3. Improved Governance: - Strengthening Institutions: Addressing climate change frequently entails enhancing governance, boosting transparency in resource management, and fortifying national and local institutions. Empowerment of the Community: By encouraging local populations to actively participate in decisions about resource management and climate adaptation, these projects frequently result in more inclusive and democratic governance systems.

4. Social Cohesion: - Conflict Mediation: Climate peace projects usually entail the use of conflict resolution techniques that unite disparate groups in order to settle disagreements and promote collaboration. Common Objectives: Communities can be united around common issues, such as climate change, which can aid in bridging ethnic, clan, and regional barriers.

5. Adaptability to Climate Shocks: - Disaster Readiness: Enhanced facilities and early alert systems for climate-related calamities (such as floods and droughts) can prevent fatalities and lessen the financial toll of such incidents. - Sustainable Development: By promoting more sustainable economic growth, long-term climate adaption measures can lessen societal susceptibility as a whole.

6. Job Creation: - Economic Development: Reforestation, the development of renewable energy sources, and infrastructure upgrades are examples of projects that are frequently included in climate programs and can generate jobs and benefit the local economy. Attraction to Investment: Somalia can attract more global and domestic investors and create more economic possibilities if the climate and security conditions stabilize.

7. Environmental Conservation: - Ecosystem Protection: Programs frequently encompass the preservation and rehabilitation of ecosystems, which can yield enduring advantages like enhanced water retention, the preservation of biodiversity, and the sequestration of carbon. - Sustainable Resource Use: By encouraging sustainable behaviors, we may lessen environmental deterioration and make sure that natural resources are available for future generations.

Conclusion

The climate peace and security in Somalia's development policy offers a comprehensive approach to tackling the interrelated problems of poverty, violence, and climate change. As a result, society becomes more resilient, prosperous, and stable.