The Ties Between Peace and Sustainability
The environment has a direct link on the prosperity of a nation. Across the globe, communities experiencing strife and civil unrest often also experience severe problems relating to their environment. Pollution and resource scarcity have proven to directly impact instances of conflict in a region. As we observe the dwindling of natural resources and our lack of access to them, we also see greater instances of violent conflicts arising. Not surprisingly, communities that actively put forth an effort into conserving natural resources prove to be much more socially stable. Therefore, the relationship between a region’s environment and peaceful practices amongst its people can be seen in direct connection.
As the environment continues to degrade at an alarming rate, ensuing instances of violent conflict and social unrest are also present. These occurrences reflect the direct connection between polluted, unhealthy environments and high tension in communities. Conflict due to environmental deterioration and resource scarcity have already begun in different regions across the globe. Recent instances of social unrest in cities throughout Greece and Iraq demonstrate this trend has already begun.
Greek cities like Athens have endured the effects of pollution and problems related to mass amounts of garbage for years [1]. Friction between sanitation workers, union leaders, and Parliament has resulted in several strikes in the area [2]. Solving how to deal with the excess waste piling up on Athens has been greatly taxing on both the general population as well as the government. Projections of further societal upheaval have been discussed over clashes between Parliament and state policies in dealing with how to solve the problem surrounding Athens’ waste [3]. The city of Corfu recently had riot police deployed in order to control protests regarding the escalating trash and the presence of illegal landfills [4]. The response from Grecian citizens concerning trash and pollution serves to prove social unrest undoubtedly follows environmental concerns.
Similarly, civil unrest as a response to polluted environments has occurred in recent months in Basra, Iraq [5]. Inadequate access to clean drinking water has fostered anti-government demonstrations leading to violent military action. Protestors have described their actions as a “revolution by oppressed hungry people” [6]. More than 20 protestors died in the month of September alone from clashes with the military including human rights activist Suad al-Ali who stood in solidarity with those demonstrating [7]. The extreme conflict in Basra and growing tensions in Athens prove the link between environmental degradation, resource scarcity, and community discord, most often resulting in civil unrest.
In contrast, observing communities brought together by environmental efforts demonstrates the influence conserving resources has on promoting peace. Communities in Nepal have used small hydropower projects as a means to bring electricity to rural villages and stabilize themselves post-civil war [8]. Since its implementation, Nepali citizens have experienced greater access to education, empowerment for women, and increased public unity [9]. Working to conserve the natural resources of their region and use sustainable energy practices have positively impacted communities and fostered peace through cooperation.
Similarly, leaders of the African Union serve as an excellent example of how political efforts to conserve resources and promote a healthy environment have brought about peace [10]. Various regions have taken it upon themselves to resolve violent conflicts through peaceful means, some of which focus heavily on environmental sustainability. Initiatives such as the Green Belt Movement work to empower rural women by planting trees throughout Africa to stop soil erosion and thus conserve water [11]. A new abundance of trees for an area provides families with necessary “food, fuel, shelter, and income” [12]. Therefore, utilizing environmental action to unite communities serves as a method for empowerment and peacebuilding.
Achieving peace on a global scale seems a daunting task. With so many international conflicts and injustices occurring on a daily basis, the goal for peace and unity seems insurmountable. However, peace does not exist as an ideal in solitude; it is completely dependent on tangible factors all citizens of the world face and contribute to daily. In the ways that environmental degradation and resource scarcity result in violent conflict, conscious efforts to sustain one’s environment result in a community collectively caring for themselves and their surroundings. As citizens and political administrations around the globe work to achieve all UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, it must be understood that protecting the environment and natural resources goes beyond the goals specific to such causes. Working to protect our planet from further degradation serves as a way to work toward achieving peace worldwide along with all UN SDG’s.
While political administrations can be slow to make necessary changes, efforts toward protecting one’s surrounding environment and resources can be completed on an individual level. Being conscious of the resources one uses, recycling, and composting are all beginning steps to reduce our negative impact on the environment. Moreover, making these changes to our daily actions not only serves as a way to protect the environment, but acts as long term contributions to achieving peace worldwide. For more information on environmental sustainability and its impact on peace, check out the resources below or the United Nation’s page on the Sustainable Development Goals.
References
[1] Kitsantonis, Niki. “‘Like We Don’t Have Enough Problems’: Trash Piles Up in Athens.” The New York Times. June 29, 2017. Accessed September 26, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/29/world/europe/greece-athens-garbage-strikec.html.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Miari, Anastasia. “Riot Police Deployed as Corfu’s Rubbish Nightmare Escalates.” The Telegraph. July 16, 2018. Accessed September 26, 2018. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/corfu/articles/corfu-rubbish-problems-protests/.
[5] “Water Shortages Fuel Ongoing Protests in Basra, Iraq.” BBC News. September 25, 2018. Accessed September 26, 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-45626170/water-shortages-fuel-ongoing-protests-in-basra-iraq.
[6] Ibid
[7]”Iraqi Human Rights Activist Shot Dead in Basra.” BBC News. September 25, 2018. Accessed September 26, 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-45646528.
[8] “15 Years of Environmental Peacemaking: Overcoming Challenges and Identifying Opportunities for Cooperation.” New Security Beat. Accessed September 27, 2018. https://www.newsecuritybeat.org/2017/03/15-years-environmental-peacemaking-overcoming-challenges-identifying-opportunities-cooperation/.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Maathai, Wangari. “An Unbreakable Link: Peace, Environment, and Democracy.” 2008. Accessed September 27, 2018. https://commons.wvc.edu/jminharo/pols203/Articles to Choose From/An unbreakable link peace, environment, and democracy.pdf.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
