A systematic literature review on the interconnection between climate change impacts and conflicts

Abstract

The study attempts to systematically review the available evidence on the impacts of climate change on conflicts. It simultaneously explores how conflict can hinder people from practicing their best adaptation strategies. The systematic literature review was guided by ROSES (RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses in Environmental Research) and based on searching processes in Scopus, Science Direct, Dimensions.ai, and Google Scholar databases. The final number of articles for the review is 35. Based on the thematic analysis performed, four main themes were discussed in the review, namely 1) climate change exacerbates internal conflicts; 2) Climate change, military disputes and diplomatic tensions between countries over natural resources; 3) Climate change, migration, and conflict; and 4) Conflicts obstruct the community from practicing the best adaptation strategies toward climate change impacts. Multifaceted conflicts often impede communities from adopting their most effective climate adaptation strategies. Humans' economic habits are disrupted by social disturbance, which limits their capacity and motivation to seek workable ways to mitigate the consequences of climate change. In addition to weakening social ties, the dispute has made it more difficult for community members to access resources and allocate limited funds in the community's best interests, thereby detracting from the adoption of crucial actions to mitigate the consequences of climate change. The capacity of people to organise, plan, and carry out efficient methods to safeguard community interests in the context of climate change can be enhanced by effective communication at the organisational or community level, as well as by the absence of conflict-related community capacity building. Conflict also prevents outside assistance and support that may aid the community's preparation.