Climate change simply means that the planet is warming up. This occurs due to the presence of automobile and industrial pollution and burning of materials, such as coal and gas. These processes emit gases that capture heat. Such gases are referred to as greenhouse gases. The weather in the world is changing as a result of this.
The problem is no longer solely related to warm summers or downpours. People, nations, as well as peace are suffering due to the changes in climate. It touches food, water, homes, jobs and safety. All these issues can make countries fight or even argue. This is the way climate change can affect the geopolitical stability that is the peace between states.
What Is Geopolitical Stability?
Geopolitical stability refers to the peace and friendliness of nations toward one another. Geo is geocentric, Earth, and politics is that which concerns governments. When nations are peaceful, they can trade, assist, and discuss problems without flaring up.
Life is fine, like an orchestra that cooperates. Without stability, however, nations can begin to fight, fail to support one another, or even engage in war. That is instability.
Now you may wonder; can weather and climate really cause such problems? Let’s find out!
How Climate Change Affects Countries
Here are some simple ways climate change can create big problems for countries:
Less Water, More Fights
With climate change, the world is getting hotter and as such, most of the areas begin to receive less rain. This means that rivers, lakes and other water bodies start drying up or reducing in size. It becomes a huge problem when water is not available in sufficient amounts. River sharing countries such as India and Pakistan or Egypt and Ethiopia, will begin arguing on their water shares. Such disputes may become very stressful and may develop into something more critical in case the issue is not resolved amicably.
Food Becomes Scarce
Farmers require sufficient water, and favorable weather patterns to grow healthy crops. However, climate change is creating a challenge. There might be no rain at all (or sometimes too much rain- a drought and other times floods). The two scenarios have the potential to destroy crops and destroy farms.
When crops fail, individuals lack food to feed on. Others could starve, others could even abandon their homelands and migrate to other nations. This may strain resources in other areas and even cause conflict.
More People on the Move
Climate change is causing an exodus among a large number of individuals. Certain areas are gradually sinking under water due to the rising level of the ocean, and certain areas on the dry land are slowly becoming desert land which cannot allow any growth. Residents of these sites are evicted to other safer grounds.
Such individuals are referred to as climate refugees. They depart to seek refuge, cover and employment. However, when many individuals transfer to a new location all together at a time, it might cause strain and give rise to complications or tension in such places.
Disasters Lead to Conflict
Increased natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods are caused by climate change. These tragedies have the potential to devastate homes, cities and other significant establishments such as hospitals and schools. When it occurs, individuals require immediate government assistance. Yet there are situations when the government is incapable or unprepared to assist everybody.
Feeling left out or ignored can make people angry and upset. This may result in protests, brawls, even civil wars in the country. Failure to support during tragedies can make an already bad situation worse.
Climate Refugees: People Forced to Move
People have to move out of home when their homes are destroyed by climate change. Such individuals are termed as climate refugees.
- In small island nations such as the Maldives or Tuvalu, land is disappearing into the sea.
- In Africa, many families leave their farms because the land has become dry and dead.
- In Bangladesh, floods destroy homes every year.
These people often go to nearby cities or countries. This sudden increase in population can create pressure. Jobs, homes, and food become increasingly difficult to find, which can lead to conflicts.
Weak Governments, Big Problems
Some countries are already weak. They may not have strong leaders, police, or money. When climate disasters occur, they struggle to handle them effectively.
- People lose faith in their government.
- Protests or violence break out.
- Terrorist groups may take advantage of the chaos.
For example, in Syria, a prolonged drought made life extremely difficult for farmers. This was one reason people became angry and started protesting. Those protests later became a big war.
Real-Life Examples of Climate Causing Trouble
Let’s look at some real stories where climate change made things worse:
Syria (Middle East)
In 2006-2010 Syria experienced a very protracted and dry drought. The amount of rainfall was minimal thus farmers were unable to plant their crops. Most farmers were forced to quit a village without food or money and to go and live in big cities that were expected to offer them better lives. However, in the cities, people could not find employment and food.
Life was extremely difficult. Citizens began to accuse the government of the failure to assist. They continued to feel angrier. This came after a certain period and resulted in protests and in a short period a big civil war ensued. This indicates how climatic issues can cause major conflicts.
Lake Chad (Africa)
Lake Chad, as a large and significant lake in Africa, is today much smaller. Over the last 60 years it has been reduced by approximately 90%. The water of the lake was used by many locals as a source of water to farm, to fish and as a source of life. But as the lake dried up, there wasn’t enough water or fish for everyone.
This caused fights between different groups over the little water and land that was left. In the middle of this problem, dangerous groups like Boko Haram became more powerful. They took advantage of people’s struggles and made the situation even worse for everyone.
Bangladesh (Asia)
Bangladesh is a nation, which experiences numerous floods annually. Rising rivers and heavy rainfalls make water extend land making the homes, farms, and roads be ruined. It results in hundreds of people being homeless and unemployed due to floods. Families where they have nothing are forced to migrate to large cities in search of jobs. Others even migrate to neighboring states such as India where they envisage to have a better life.
However, it may be a source of aggression and trouble when an excessive number of persons cross the line. Jobs, land and resources may be causes of concern to the locals and may result in argument and conflict.
Climate and Global Power Games
Big countries often fight for power. Climate change is now part of this game.
The Arctic Race- As ice melts in the Arctic, new sea routes open up. There is also oil and gas under the ice. Countries like the USA, Russia, and China want control of this area. This can lead to disputes over who owns what.
China’s Water Plans- China is building big dams on rivers that flow into other countries like India, Vietnam, and Cambodia. If China blocks water, those countries suffer. This causes mistrust and danger.
Africa’s Growing Pressure- Many African countries face droughts, hunger, and lack of jobs. If rich countries don’t help, people may flee in huge numbers or become angry and join dangerous groups.
Climate Change Costs a Lot of Money
When disasters happen, countries must rebuild roads, houses, schools, and hospitals. But not all countries can afford this. Poor countries need help from rich ones. But sometimes, rich countries don’t want to help. This creates anger and division.
Also, when farmers can’t grow food, prices go up. This can lead to inflation (where everything becomes expensive), protests, and instability.
Countries Must Work Together
Climate change doesn’t care about borders. A flood in one country can send thousands of refugees to another. A drought in one place can raise food prices everywhere. That’s why countries must work together.
Some global efforts include:
- The Paris Agreement – A promise made by many countries to reduce pollution and fight climate change.
- The United Nations – Helps with peacekeeping and climate talks.
- Climate Aid – Rich countries send money and help to poor countries facing climate disasters.
But the truth is, some countries still argue about who should do more. Some don’t want to change their habits.
What Can Be Done?
- To mitigate pollution, countries should use clean energy such as solar power, wind energy, hydro power instead of coal and gas.
- More trees need to be planted and forests preserved to ensure that the world remains cool and clean.
- Governments are able to construct better roads, houses and emergency services to keep civilians out of danger in case of floods, storms or droughts.
- Rich countries can support poor countries by sharing money, new technology, and helpful skills.
- Teaching people about climate change can help everyone make smarter choices, like saving water, planting trees, and not wasting food. Every small step can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Climate change is more than weather, it is about peace, safety and the way nations co-exist. With less water, food and land, life becomes difficult and conflicts may arise. The worst tolerance is observed in poor countries, and the entire world is affected. That is why all nations should cooperate, support one another, and make wise moves at the moment.
Planting more trees, utilizing clean energy, and ensuring that we take care of our planet would not only save the Earth but also prevent wars between countries. And each small step really counts.
Article by Rachna