Climate Security, Great Power Competition, and Adversarial Geopolitics in North and West Africa

While the consequences of climate change and climate security issues have global ramifications, certain regions bear a disproportionate burden of extreme impacts due to geographical vulnerabilities. Often termed a “threat multiplier,” climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and threats, amplifying the challenges faced by less developed countries and regions. States with higher fragility are particularly susceptible to pronounced climate impacts, including droughts and variability in rainfall patterns. Developing nations frequently encounter significant barriers to adapting to climate change, as they are characterized by limited adaptive capacity stemming from weak governance structures and inadequate infrastructure. These limitations make it challenging for states in these regions to enhance resilience, mitigate impacts, and adapt to climate-related hazards. Moreover, these regions frequently experience livelihood insecurity as a result of climate change, compounded by fragile governance structures. This intersection of environmental and socioeconomic vulnerabilities gives rise to heightened security concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive adaptation and resilience-building efforts.

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