Climate Change: A Newly Established Contributor to Terrorist Actions

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Published: Dec 29, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hapscpbs.29507
Keywords:
Climate change terrorism human security NSAGs natural resources national security environment eco-terrorism violent attacks humanitarian aid
Ioanna Kechagia
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Eirini Makariou
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Marina Spiliotopoulou
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Abstract

Although climate change and terrorism are two terms that are mostly analyzed separately, they tend to be two global threats in a feedback loop relationship. Climate change causes fragility and instability because of the lack of natural resources and the vulnerability of human security. Considering this situation, NSAGs (Non-State Armed Groups) take advantage of this fragility and proliferate. In order to be established, they even attempt to earn the support of the local population. Food insecurity, water/land scarcities caused by climate change lead to intense poverty of the local population. As a result, they are more vulnerable to the recruitment of NSAGs, which promise them economic incentives. Various case studies demonstrate that NSAGs, such as Boko Haram in Lake Chad, exploit and manipulate the local population to impose their regime. For this purpose, NSAGs use strategically natural resources such as water, by using them as weapons or by forbidding access to these vital resources. Governments have attempted to control this exacerbation of terrorist actions in the environmental framework but the solution of the problem demands the collaboration of multiple actors. Policy makers will be able to address these challenges by building resilient societies that engage people with their problems.

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Author Biographies
Ioanna Kechagia, Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Eirini Makariou, Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Marina Spiliotopoulou, Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece
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