Navigating climate and conflict

Iraq is highly vulnerable to climate and environmental pressures, including water scarcity, soil degradation, extreme heat and increasingly frequent and intense dust storms. These pressures can deepen existing tensions, disrupt livelihoods and essential services, and increase the risk of conflict and displacement, particularly in areas affected by weak governance, socio-economic marginalisation and unresolved grievances. Against this backdrop, the Berghof Foundation and Peace Paradigms Organisation have worked from 2022 to 2026 to strengthen understanding of the climate-conflict nexus, support inclusive dialogue and mediation, and help Iraqi authorities integrate climate-security and conflict-sensitivity considerations into planning and decision-making. The report presents key outcomes, lessons learned and best practices.