ICRC Position on Climate Change, Armed Conflict and Other Situations of Violence

The negative effects of climate change are being felt and will continue to be felt in some of the most extreme ways by people and communities in places affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, who are ill-equipped to cope with and adapt to change. Conflict-related environmental damage deepens the crisis further. For this reason, it is important for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to adapt its response in order to strengthen people’s resilience to climate risks and environmental degradation, while limiting its own impact on the climate and the environment. The organization will also continue to use its influence to mobilize states, and humanitarian, development, climate and peace organizations and experts, to contribute to a holistic response in these environments.