The Intertwined Futures of Climate Action, Fragility and Peacebuilding

As our understanding of the climate crisis becomes more complex, so too must the strategies designed to address it.

Crises are often described narrowly; clearly differentiated by the aspect of society they impact, such as the economy or national security. But the COVID pandemic and looming climate crisis have shown that lines distinguishing one crisis from another aren’t as distinct as they may seem, and that underlying issues like COVID can impact a number of sectors simultaneously. Navigating the intersection of health, economic, governance and humanitarian issues has become the defining challenge of the pandemic response, offering policymakers a preview of how long-term challenges — such as climate change — will require a similarly holistic and coordinated strategy that brings together disciplines that have historically been independent.