BCSC side event: Bridging the climate, peace, and security science-policy divide

Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Time: 14:30-17:00
Location: Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), Ludwigkirchplatz 3-4, Berlin

Over the past decades, the impact of climate change on conflict and security has become an important topic in both academic literature and policy debate. A significant body of research has emerged and continues to expand. In the policy context, the issue has evolved into a growing agenda across the United Nations system, the African Union, ASEAN, the European Union, NATO, and at recent COPs.

Although both academic and policy communities are working broadly within the same field, they often operate in parallel and are not as informed about each other’s work, progress, challenges, and latest developments as one might expect. This results in missed opportunities for cooperation and cross-fertilisation.

This panel brought together leading experts working at the intersection of climate, conflict, and peacebuilding. Drawing on interdisciplinary research and policy experience, the speakers explored how climate-related risks shape conflict dynamics and how cross-border cooperation and decentralised responses can support resilience and peace.

Opening remarks:

Tobias Pietz

Lead Climate Security and EU, Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF).

Dr Holger Klitzing

Head of Climate and Security Division, German Federal Foreign Office.

Speakers:

Cedric de Coning

Research Professor, Norwegian Institute for International Affairs (NUPI); Principal Investigator for XCEPT research on climate-related peace and security risks in the Lake Chad Basin.

Hans Olav Ibrekk

Special Envoy Climate and Security, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kheira Tarif

Researcher, SIPRI Climate Change and Risk Programme.

Tobias Ide

Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, Murdoch University; XCEPT Conflict and Climate Research Fellow. 

Moderator:

Tabea Campbell Pauli

Independent Consultant and Former XCEPT Senior Programme Officer, The Asia Foundation’s Conflict & Fragility unit, and the X-Border Local Research Network in Myanmar.