Climate, Nature, and Conflict: The unspoken interactions that require urgent actions

Abstract

Keynote Speaker: Mary Robinson Former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Chair of the Elders. The rapidly worsening climate and nature crisis confronts us with an existential challenge. Yet at the same time, we face a world of increasing insecurity and renewed conflict which, in addition to direct and grave humanitarian impacts, exacerbates the crisis facing the natural world and diverts much needed financing and political attention. Within conflicts, the environment itself is increasingly under direct attack, while the significant emissions driven by conflict, in the production and use of arms, are not captured in global agreements. As efforts to develop greener energy sources progress, it is clear that many essential elements of the new technologies needed are sourced from the most conflict-ridden environments on Earth. First woman President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Chair of The Elders Mary Robinson will explore these complex interactions, and the need for long-view leadership to forge a pathway to a better future, in her keynote address. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Áine Lawlor of RTÉ (Ireland’s national broadcaster).