Climate change and security in South Asia: cooperating for peace

A GMACCC report warns that a recent drought in India which has affected over 330 million people – causing displacement and threatening farms –is just the first hint of how climate change could destabilise the South Asian region, unless steps are taken to address the threat posed by a warming, resource-scarce world. “Climate Change and Security in South Asia: Cooperating for Peace,” recommends that the region’s leaders strengthen cooperation to reduce the potential for widespread human suffering and further instability. The report also calls for better data collection and sharing to inform policies to prevent climate risks leading to conflict, humanitarian crises and the spread of extremism by groups that exploit opportunities in times of crises and instability. In South Asia, climate change will result in more frequent and more intense natural disasters, spurring water and food shortages, mass displacement and migration and competition over land and natural resources.

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