Key Message
Human security is both a pre-condition for, and an outcome of, sustainable development and the conservation of the world's resources.
Environmental degradation, poorly designed trade and aid policies, and reckless exploitation of our natural resources imperil human security.
Archives
Environment and Human Security
The pace of environmental change and a growing demand for natural resources are generating new challenges to human security. IISD's research identifies the emerging issues of concern for communities and countries facing these challenges, so that they can address the root causes of insecurity through more effective natural resource management, climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental restoration and so on.
Since 1998, IISD's Environment, Conflict and Peacebuilding program has worked to explore emerging issues and to transmit practical recommendations to policy-makers on how to strengthen human security through better environmental management and more effective natural resource governance.
Where to Read More
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The Environment and our Security: How our understanding of the links has changed
» Oli Brown, IISD, 2005 This paper charts our evolving understanding of the complex relationship between environmental change and security and makes some suggestions for practical policies that can ensure environmental management is supportive of both peace and sustainable development.
Contents
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Disaster Resilience
Focusing on how communities can reduce vulnerabilities and become more resilient to natural hazards. -
Emerging Issues
Exploring emerging issues in Environment, Conflict and Peacebuilding. -
Pastoralism and Conflict
Understanding the links between pastoral communities and conflict, and identifying the ways in which violence can be prevented or mitigated.
Key Publication
From Conflict to Peacebuilding: the role of natural resources and the environment
» Richard Matthew, Oli Brown, David Jensen, UNEP, 2009This major report, co-authored by IISD and UNEP, discusses the key linkages between environment, conflict and peacebuilding, and provides recommendations on how these can be addressed more effectively by the international community. More...
Our Knowledge
» Themes
- Adaptation and Risk Reduction
- Climate Change and Energy
- Economics and SD
- Education, Learning and Leadership
- Environment, Conflict and Peacebuilding
- Gender Equity
- Governance for Sustainable Development
- Internet and Technology
- International Trade
- Investment and Sustainable Development
- Measurement and Assessment
- Natural Resources
- Networks & Partnerships
- Sustainable Markets
» Initiatives
- Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI)
- The Sustainable Commodity Initiative (SCI)
- Sustainability Leadership Innovation Centre (SLIC)
- Water Innovation Centre (WIC)
