Global Conflict: The Impact of Climate Change on International Stability

Climate change has become one of the biggest challenges faced by global society today. The impact of climate change not only affects the environment, but also has the potential to disrupt international stability. This phenomenon triggers conflicts in various parts of the world, especially in countries that are vulnerable to environmental change. One of the main issues is competition for resources. With increasing global temperature changes, access to clean water and fertile land is becoming increasingly threatened. For example, in the Middle East and North Africa region, extreme drought has created urgent conditions, driving internal and inter-country migration. This often triggers tensions between local communities and the government. In addition, climate change causes an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as floods and storms. Island countries, such as Bangladesh and the Maldives, face the risk of sinking due to rising sea levels. This situation forces these countries to look for refugee solutions which can lead to territorial conflicts with neighboring countries. The agricultural sector is also not immune from the impacts of climate change. A decrease in crop yields due to weather changes can trigger social chaos. Countries that are economically dependent on agriculture, such as Ethiopia and Sudan, are experiencing food crises that can trigger acts of violence. In this context, political instability is likely to occur due to the need to compete for dwindling food sources. Energy access is also an important factor exacerbated by climate change. The transition from fossil energy sources to renewable energy can create uncertainty in global markets. Oil-producing countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, may experience economic tensions, while countries dependent on renewable energy, such as Europe, could potentially be caught up in international tensions over technology and investment. Climate change then urges countries to strengthen their security policies. Increasing conflicts over resources and migration have paved the way for international collaboration. For example, agreements under the UN framework on climate change serve to raise awareness and collective action to mitigate these impacts. Excessive carbon emissions produced by industrialized countries also add to tensions. Many developing countries are demanding climate justice, arguing that they are not responsible for the historic impacts of industrialization emissions. This adds complexity to international negotiations, increasing the chances of future conflict. International stability currently relies heavily on the ability of countries to collaborate in dealing with climate change. An inability to resolve these issues could exacerbate existing tensions, potentially triggering large-scale conflicts in various regions. Forming inclusive and sustainable policies is an urgent challenge that must be faced by global leaders to prevent worse things from happening.