Climate Change and Violent Conflict: Sparse Evidence from South Asia and South East Asia

The impacts of climate change are increasingly viewed as global security risks, which will have far-reaching implications for both human and renewable natural systems. Most climate–conflict research has focused on East Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. This SIPRI Insights explores and summarizes the findings from a systematic literature review of climate–conflict research on South Asia and South East Asia. Although these regions have been greatly affected by both climate change and conflict, there have only been a small number of rigorous academic studies that focus on the climate–conflict relationship. While this constrains the ability to draw general conclusions, there is context specific evidence that climate change can have an effect on the causes and dynamics of violent conflict in the region when: (a) it leads to a deterioration in people’s livelihoods; (b) it influences the tactical considerations of armed groups; (c) elites use it to exploit social vulnerabilities and resources; and (d) it displaces people and increases levels of migration. In acknowledging that these mechanisms are often interlinked and more noticeable in some climatic, conflict and socio-economic contexts than in others, the need for more research in both regions is clear.

Klimawandel: Die Sintflut kommt

Über den Klimawandel reden wir noch immer, als sei er ferne Fiktion. Dabei ist längst ein Klimakrieg im Gange.

Der Mensch kann sich um sich selbst kümmern, um seine Familie, seine Freunde, vielleicht sein Land. Um seinen Planeten offenbar nicht. Der Klimawandel ist zu groß für unsere Wahrnehmung. Er ist keine plötzliche Gefahr, die über uns hereinfällt, sondern eine schleichende, die wir seit Jahrzehnten kennen. Er ist kein konkretes, singuläres Ereignis, sondern eine Verkettung dynamischer Prozesse.

Climate Primer For Institutional Investors

Climate Change and Financial Risk

Climate change presents an existential threat to modern civilization. However, because its effects manifest over generational timescales, the present generation has only limited incentive to address this threat. In the financial sector, institutional investors are becoming more and more aware of the risks presented by climate change and are willing to take action. This WWF report, supported by KAS RECAP, offers a comprehensive introduction into the basics of climate change, based upon the latest scientific knowledge. It further presents an overview on green finance instruments.

Unlocking the Inclusive Growth Story of the 21st Century

Accelerating Climate Action in Urgent Times

The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate, and its flagship project the New Climate Economy, were set up to help governments, businesses and society make better-informed decisions on how to achieve economic prosperity and development while also addressing climate change. It was commissioned in 2013 by the governments of Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The Global Commission, comprising, 28 former heads of government and finance ministers, and leaders in the fields of economics, business and finance, operates as an independent body and, while benefiting from the support of the partner governments, has been given full freedom to reach its own conclusions.

The Future of Energy and Climate Security

A Reflection of the workshop series organized by KAS and EUCERS in Singapore, South Korea and Kazakhakstan

This joint book publication brings together contributions by our authors based on their presentations at our KAS/EUCERS workshop series in Singapore, South Korea and Kazakhstan. Authors such as Professor Hongyuan yu, Anatole boute and many more give insight into issues surrounding changing global gas markets and the importance of clean energy and climate security. It picks up the most important points of discussion from our three workshops with contributions by speakers and participants under the general theme of “The future of energy and climate security”.

Energy Security in a Digitalised World and its Geostrategic Implications

Study by Frank Umbach, EUCERS/RSIS

Global energy systems are currently undergoing tremendous and multifold challenges. This ‘energy transition’ towards a non-fossil fuel energy system can be best described along three, mutually reinforcing strategic trends: decarbonization, digitalisation and decentralisation. Digitalisation has manifold impacts on energy suppliers, distributors and consumers as it provides opportunites for efficiency and sustainability, but also bears security threats. This study by Dr. Frank Umbach provides a comprehensive view on the impacts of digitalisation on the global energy system.

WWF Hong Kong Report 2018

Climate change and financial risk

Climate change can only be mitigated by immediate and comprehensive global action. This requires a large amount of financial resources which cannot be provided by governments alone. The financial sector and private investors need to contribute significantly to achieve the goals of climate politics. A study by WWF Hong Kong explains how banks, investors and other financial institutions can effectively support concrete climate action.

Network Governance of Emission Trading Scheme

A Case Study of Guangdong Province, China

China is the world's largest carbon trading market. Four years after implementing ETSs in eight provinces, a nationwide cap-and-trade system was launched last year. It was seen as one of the key market instruments to mitigate climate change. Dr Maria Francesch-Huidobro, Consultant of KAS RECAP, wrote an article on challenges of governing domestic carbon trade system in China and analyses a governance network supporting carbon market development by using Guangdong as a case-study.

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Online Documentation of the KAS India office about the founding of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The ISA was initiated following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP 21) on the 30th November 2015 and was introduced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President Francois Hollande. The idea was to create a coalition of sun-rich countries to fill identified gaps in energy supply through a common approach focused on solar power. The founding conference of the intergovernmental organization took place on the 11th of March 2018 in New Delhi.

ADDRESSING CAMBODIA’S REGULATORY GAPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRANSITION

Cambodia, likewise to other developing countries, is facing a twofold problem which can only solved by a compromise: On the one hand, energy demand is rising sharply and increasing electricity production is essential for further economic and social development. On the other hand, impacts by climate change are already visible and the local use of fossil fuels must be reduced in order to avoid graver impacts. An energy transition however is hampered by insufficient regulations. This study, conducted by Enrich Institute for KAS RECAP, assesses the current situation and future implications.