ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND CONFLICT

Catalog description

(Slashed with PACS 60072 ) This course examines the varied theoretical and policy challenges involved in addressing the intersection between changes in the environment; the governance and sustainability of natural resources and ecosystems; and the prevention, management and resolution of conflict. It traces the history and development of environmental security and peacebuilding, building a solid foundation of key theories, terminology and concepts, such as the relationship between natural resources and conflict (including scarcity vs. abundance, access and governance); redefinition of security and securitization of the environment; slow- vs. sudden-onset climate change and displacement; and environmental cooperation of peacekeeping, peacemaking, peacebuilding and contemporary conflict resolution. Students have a working knowledge of important international laws and policies governing the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict and engage in critical discussions at the intersection of conflict issues and trends of environmental change, such as green militarization and small arms proliferation, environmental crimes and surveillance, fortress conservation and conservation conflicts, the role of gender and youth, human rights and environmental defenders, climate justice and conflict-sensitive climate adaptation. Students apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course to the development of environmental security assessments, peace and conflict impact assessments and foresight analyses.