Bibliotheken Online

The need for an African Union Special Envoy for Climate Change and Security

Florian Krampe ; Vane Moraa Aminga

Buch

englisch

Krampe, Florian (Verfasser/-in) DNB
Aminga, Vane Moraa (Verfasser/-in) DNB

SIPRI

Stockholm

2019

Ahead of the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit in February, SIPRI researchers give an impetus for the AU to refocus on climate-related security risks and build broad support to appoint a dedicated AU Special Envoy for Climate Change and Security.
On 10-11 February, the 32nd Summit of Heads of State of the AU will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the theme 'Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa.' Clearly in 2019, the AU wants to increase attention to the root causes of forced displacement and bolster the capacity of AU Member States to tackle the problem and create sustainable strategies.
Of course, migration and forced displacement are only symptoms of broader social, political, economic and ecological 'push' and 'pull' factors. Especially in Africa, climate-related change is one of the most serious push factors. The frequency and magnitude of droughts, famine and flash floods displace millions and contribute to peoples' decision to migrate. To address the push from climate impacts, there is a need to not only better comprehend but, to better respond to climate-related security risks.
This essay reflects upon the climate-related security risks facing Africa and reviews the current policy responses. It contends that broad AU member state support for an AU Special Envoy for Climate Change and Security would be a viable strategy that strengthens the AU's response to climate risks. The idea of the envoy-which stems from the AU's Peace and Security Council meeting in May 2018-is an opportunity to pre-empt migration and forced displacement and moreover, 'climate-proof' the AU's peace and security architecture.

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