Experts Call for More Nuanced Research on Environment, Population, and Security
MARCH 2006--Addressing Environmental Problems and Population Dynamics May Lower the Risk of Conflict, Some Tell ECSP Report 11
Some violent conflicts on today's front page have deep roots in long-term environmental problems and rapid population growth. But these roots are often overlooked in favor of more visible explanations. According to some experts, protecting natural resources and stabilizing population growth must be part of long-term solutions to these conflicts. Others say the evidence does not support this strategy. But all agree that more research will lead to a more nuanced understanding of the links connecting environment, population, and security. Bringing together a diverse group of authors—from Nepal to Norway, from the university to the military—the 11th edition of the Environmental Change and Security Program Report explores how powerful underlying forces may engender war—-or lay a foundation for peace.
In questions of war and peace, population dynamics are rarely considered. Little in-depth analysis counters the simplistic equations of conventional wisdom. To help traverse this minefield, five experts offer recommendations based on their new research:
The ECSP Report, the only forum dedicated to showcasing environmental security, also features these special reports:
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Environmental Change and Security Program
The Environmental Change and Security Program (ECSP) explores the connections between environmental change, health, and population dynamics and their links to conflict, human insecurity, and foreign policy. Read more
Maternal Health Initiative
The Wilson Center’s Maternal Health Initiative (MHI) is dedicated to improving the lives of women, adolescents, and children around the world. MHI convenes experts from around the world to discuss solutions to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to navigate gender-based global health issues and their links to foreign policy. MHI explores a wide range of policy-related topics, including gender equity, global health, health care workforce and systems, caregiving, gender-based violence, workforce participation, girls’ education, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. MHI is globally focused with additional attention to women and girls living in humanitarian settings. Read more