NJPN Blog: Conflict, climate change and resisting arms trade

Aisling Griffin

When we think of a peaceful place, we often think of somewhere where we're surrounded by nature. As Pope Francis says, "Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes" (Laudato si', #92), however climate change and conflict are also inextricably linked.

As the climate changes, there is and will be more competition for resources. This competition for resources, such as water or land, can lead to conflict and militaristic responses. It can lead to migration, tensions within and between communities and leave people and regions facing instability and insecurity. Conflict also has an impact on the environment, polluting the local area and damaging infrastructure.

We currently need to drastically reduce emissions to combat climate change. Yet publishing military greenhouse gas emissions is voluntary, not mandatory, for signatories of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The 2015 Paris Agreement left cutting these emissions up to individual countries. The Conflict and Environment Observatory, along with many other organisations, are calling for countries to commit to cutting military emissions at COP26 in November. These emissions are substantial, and we need to commit to cutting them, along with transparent reporting, as part of a national and global effort to halt climate change. But these emissions are just part of the wider issue of the arms trade and military spending.

Every two years, the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) Arms Fair comes for a week to the ExCel Centre in London. At this fair, arms companies display their weapons and equipment to buyers from across the world. Some of the potential buyers are from oppressive regimes and regimes that commit human rights abuses. It is here that we see the foundations for warfare and conflict that ruins lives and the environment.

However, many peace movements, peace activists, and civil society groups, including Pax Christi, will gather to nonviolently oppose this arms fair. There will be a silent vigil on the evening of Monday 13th September at the ExCel Centre, organised by Pax Christi, Quaker Peace and Social Witness and Quaker Roots, and then we will join in a day of action with other groups on the 14th September. More information can be found on the Pax Christi website at: www.paxchristi.org.uk/news-and-events/events-calendar/

The DSEI arms fair is not the only arms fair that is taking place in the UK. From 11th to 13th October there will be an electronic arms fair, AOC Europe 2021, at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool and on 3rd and 4th November will be the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. Groups are already working together to nonviolently resist these fairs.

Standing against these fairs is a step towards working for a more peaceful and secure world. From greenhouse gas emissions, to environmental degradation and insecurity, understanding the role conflict plays in relation to climate change is important as we strive towards a greener future.