The threats posed by climate change to long-term peace and stability in Southern Africa include:
- Slow- and sudden-onset climate disasters trigger forced migration due to food and livelihood insecurity.
- Climate-induced disasters reduce biodiversity and destroy infrastructure, thereby threatening livelihoods and increasing vulnerability, which in turn can lead to, or compound, social unrest and instability.
- Sea-level rise and marine disaster and disruption threaten mainland coastal communities and island states, impeding opportunities for economic growth and spurring migration.
These threats however are not inevitable: If the right measures and policies are put in place, they can be addressed and averted. Given the cross-border implications of climate-related impacts, coordination and collaboration are essential.
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