Conflict-Induced Climate Change
September 10, 2024, Room # XXV, UNHRC, Geneva by IASPD
Report
Event: Conflict-Induced Climate Change
Date: September 10, 2024
Location: UNHRC, Geneva, Switzerland
Organizers: Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) in collaboration with International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development
Overview:
On September 10, 2024, a seminar addressing the critical issue of “Conflict-Induced Climate Change” was held on the sidelines of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.
The event was organized by the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR) in collaboration with International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development.
The seminar focused on the profound impacts of climate change in conflict zones, with a particular emphasis on the disputed region of Kashmir.
Opening Remarks:
Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan, President of the International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development (IASPD), opened the seminar by welcoming the panelists and introducing the key theme of the session.
He highlighted the growing global concern regarding how environmental degradation exacerbates instability, noting that the interconnected nature of climate change and conflict demands urgent attention.
He stressed the importance of bringing these issues to international forums like the UNHRC to facilitate global action.
Participants:
The seminar was moderated by Sardar Amjad Yousaf Khan and included the following speakers:
- Talha Tufail Bhatti, Environmentalist
- Abdul Rehman, Research Officer, Center for International Strategic Studies, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (CISS AJK)
- Syed Faiz Naqashbandi, APHC Leader
- Ms. Shamim Shawl, APHC Leader and Permanent Representative of IMWU
- Dr. Shugafta Ashraf, Academic
- Eisha Tariq, Researcher and Intern at KIIR
Key Issues Discussed:
The seminar centered on the severe environmental challenges posed by climate change in conflict-ridden areas, particularly in Kashmir. The following topics were highlighted:
Water Scarcity and Agriculture:
Abdul Rehman highlighted the critical water shortages in Kashmir, stressing how the depletion of groundwater and unpredictable rainfall patterns are contributing to declining agricultural productivity.
He emphasized the need for urgent interventions to secure food and water resources for local communities.
Wetlands and Biodiversity Loss:
Dr. Shugafta Ashraf discussed the alarming changes in Kashmir’s wetlands, which are crucial for migratory birds and biodiversity.
She warned that climate-induced shifts are causing irreversible ecological damage to the region’s natural habitats.
Military Presence and Ecological Impact:
Talha Tufail Bhatti raised concerns about the environmental degradation caused by the deployment of over 900,000 Indian troops, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Siachen Glacier.
He argued that the military presence is accelerating environmental instability and endangering fragile ecosystems in the region.
Militarization and Environmental Degradation:
Eisha Tariq, an intern at KIIR, emphasized the environmental damage caused by militarization in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She outlined the devastating effects of deforestation, pollution from military operations and climate shifts, which are severely damaging local ecosystems and agriculture.
Eisha also highlighted the harmful impact of plastic waste disposal by military forces, contributing to soil and water contamination and called for the adoption of sustainable practices in military operations.
Neglect of Climate Issues in Conflict Zones:
Ms. Shamim Shawl pointed out the international neglect of environmental issues in conflict-affected regions like Kashmir. She stressed that the ongoing conflict has diverted focus from the urgent climate crisis, leaving local populations vulnerable to its effects.
Call to Action:
The participants issued a strong appeal for the development of comprehensive strategies to address the climate crisis in conflict-affected regions. They urged both regional and international stakeholders to collaborate in crafting sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities, particularly in Kashmir.
The seminar emphasized that climate action must be integrated with efforts to address political conflicts, as the two challenges are deeply intertwined.
Conclusion:
The seminar concluded with a unanimous call for immediate and coordinated global action to address the climate crisis in Kashmir and other conflict-ridden regions. Participants stressed that failure to act could result in catastrophic consequences for human life, biodiversity and regional stability.
The need to view climate issues through both environmental and political lenses was reiterated, with a final call for international forums like the UNHRC to play a key role in driving change.
