A window for conflict-preventive recovery in Syria has opened, but climate change threatens to close it. The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 has created a rare opportunity to rebuild Syria on more just and resilient foundations. Yet rising temperatures, deepening droughts and growing resource scarcity are not waiting for reconstruction plans to catch up. Unless climate and environmental realities are placed at the heart of recovery planning now, Syria risks entrenching pathways that deepen fragility rather than prevent conflict.

For over 60 years, Colombia's armed conflict has been rooted in political struggle and disputes over natural resource exploitation. Land access and distribution, deforestation, coca cultivation, illegal mining and climate vulnerabilities drive ongoing violence. Recent governments have shifted approaches—from implementing peace agreements to military force to recognising environmental protection as essential to peacebuilding. Community-led initiatives now offer critical lessons for advancing peace and sustainability.