Criteria for conflict sensitive adaptation strategies for climate change

"Security development – developing security" played a central role at this year’s Eschborn Dialogue, hosted by the GTZ on 23 - 24 June 2009. Safety is an indispensable prerequisite for development, yet development is a fundamental condition for security. Where crises and conflicts dominate the daily lives of humans, leaves little room for the rule of law, political participation and respect for human rights.

Thus, one of Eschborn’s eight specialist forums addressed the topic "Security Risks of Climate Change: New Challenges for Development?" with well-known international and national experts and practitioners. adelphi has been involved in the design of this professional forum. In particular, Alexander Carius, adelphi’s Managing Director, outlined in the panel discussion the status of the international debate on climate and security and key challenges for development cooperation. The question of conflict-adaptation strategies played an important role during the discussions, because usually the so-called 'fragile states' with extensive histories of conflict and unstable institutions are most affected by climate change. Primary climate policy instruments in this context were also used as important developmental and peace strategies.