Climate Diplomacy Podcast

In this episode we're joined by Assem Mayar, independent researcher and Climate Security Expert Network member, specialising in climate change, transboundary water management and environmental security. Assem shares insights on challenges and opportunities in Central Asia and Afghanistan, possible solutions in regional initiatives, decentralised finance and innovative funding mechanisms, as well as what the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty means for wider the region going forward.  Further resources: Policy Brief No. 221: Afghanistan's Climate Crisis: A Call for Decentralised and Inclusive Finance [https://toda.org/policy-briefs-and-resources/policy-briefs/afghanistans-climate-crisis-a-call-for-decentralised-and-inclusive-finance.html] | The Economic Consequences of Climate Change for Afghanistan: Losses, projections... and pathways to mitigation [https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/20250317-Climate-Economy-FINAL.pdf] | Left Behind: Why Afghanistan Cannot Tackle Climate Change Alone [https://toda.org/global-outlook/2025/left-behind-why-afghanistan-cannot-tackle-climate-change-alone.html] | The Indus Water Treaty Suspension: A Wake-Up Call for Asia-Pacific Unity? [https://toda.org/global-outlook/2025/the-indus-water-treaty-suspension-a-wake-up-call-for-asiapacific-unity.html] © adelphi global, all rights reserved adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en) [https://adelphi-global.de/en)] is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world. Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder)

This month, hosts Alexandra and Raquel celebrate the 50th episode by looking back continent by continent at the countries and regions that have been covered since 2019 on the podcast. From Kazakhstan to Mali to the Caribbean, guests have echoed the need for intersectional and inclusive research and programming, more and better climate finance in fragile and conflict-affected areas and the importance of local expertise and initiatives. Thank you for tuning in month after month over the last 50 episodes!   Recommended resources: * Climate Security Expert Network [https://climate-diplomacy.org/climate-security-expert-network]  © adelphi global, all rights reserved   adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en [https://adelphi-global.de/en]) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world.  Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

Crimes against the environment, from illegal deforestation to hazardous waste trafficking, are not just ecological issues—they’re deeply intertwined with climate and security. In this episode, we explore how thesecrimes fuel conflicts, undermine stability, and impact vulnerable communities. Join us and Fabian Keske from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as we uncover the drivers, trends, and entry-points to combat these crimes from the perspective of the climate and security nexus. Related resources: WWF-adelphi joint report "The nature of conflict and peace [https://climate-diplomacy.org/magazine/environment/nature-conflict-and-peace-links-between-environment-security-and-peace-and]"

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of fragility in Bangladesh. Our guest for this discussion is Tasnia Khandaker Prova, Lead on Climate Research at the Center for Peace and Justice at BRAC University. We discuss the dynamics of internal and cross-border migration, borderland securitization and the role of community networks in addressing these challenges. As Bangladesh grapples with the repercussions of climate change, especially rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather events, these pressures serve to compound pre-existing and intersectional vulnerabilities. Tasnia shares insights from her research on Bangladesh's climate-affected borderlands, emphasising the importance of understanding local dynamics and community-led solutions in fostering resilience. Further resources: Fragilities and dispossession in the climate-affected borderlands of southwest Bangladesh [https://www.xcept-research.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-03-31_climate-affected-borderlands-of-south-west-Bangladesh.pdf] (report) |Community-based participatory research [https://www.xcept-research.org/community-based-participatory-research/] (video) | Hearing local voices at the "Ground Zero" of climate change [https://www.xcept-research.org/hearing-local-voices-at-the-ground-zero-of-climate-change/] (article) | Berlin Climate and Security Conference session on migration featuring Tasnia [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxd9y3Mrfpc&list=PL1ArCHLaLKSmOPppR7NsFlIdZzW9AzIqd&index=16] (video)  © adelphi global, all rights reserved  adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en [https://adelphi-global.de/en]) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world.   Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between conflict and war, climate change and environmental degradation in Yemen with Hisham Al-Omeisy (Senior Yemen Advisor, European Institute of Peace) and Sinéad Barry (Analyst, Climate Diplomacy and Security Programme, adelphi). We discuss the current political situation, how the humanitarian crisis is compounded by environmental degradation and how climate change intensifies key issues related to water and land. With significant cuts to humanitarian aid and changing geopolitical dynamics, funding shortfalls jeopardise long-term peacebuilding efforts, programmes that provide food, water and medical services and economic recovery efforts. This episode underscores the need for innovative funding strategies as well as the importance of integrating environmental considerations into peacebuilding efforts.  Further links:  Watch Hisham Al-Omeisy brief the UNSC [https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1l/k1lfxjxzyu] (starting minute 19) | Undercurrents: How conflict, climate change and the environment intersect in Yemen [https://weatheringrisk.org/en/publication/undercurrents-how-conflict-climate-change-and-environment-intersect-yemen] | Environmental Pathways for Reconciliation in Yemen Consultation Report 2024 [https://weatheringrisk.org/en/publication/environmental-pathways-reconciliation-yemen-entry-points-local-level-dialogue] Learn more about the Weathering Risk Peace Pillar project Environmental pathways for reconciliation in Yemen [https://weatheringrisk.org/en/peace-pillar-project-yemen] © adelphi global, all rights reserved    adelphi global (https://adelphi-global.de/en [https://adelphi-global.de/en]) is an economically and politically independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability, enhancing environmental protection, improving education, expanding development cooperation, and strengthening international collaborations. Our commitment is reflected in targeted projects, in-depth analyses, and informative educational events, through which we strive for a just and sustainable world.    Editing by Paulus Müller-Hahl (Lichtbilder).