Climate Security

Climate and security are interconnected in multiple ways. On the one hand, climate change worsens food safety, migratory influxes and conflicts. On the other hand, environmental crimes damage our forests, biodiversity, populations, therefore intensifying global warming. In this sense, the phenomenon hits all corners of the world, specially those already vulnerable such as the Amazon and parts of West Africa.

The Climate Security program of Igarapé Institute aims to strengthen public and corporate policies in a way that they prioritize the relationship between these two areas. It means preventing the destruction of the environment and lives.

Our actions include the development of technologies to monitor and analyse climate threats and environmental crimes; support the enforcement of the law; suggest modernization measures to supply chains; and strengthen regional cooperation.

Climate Change and Security in West Africa shows how the region is beset by threats, but also responding with innovative solutions. Supported by Switzerland, the initiative provides an evidence-base and powerful visual tools to explain what’s at stake.

Earth Time Platform shows in a planetary scale climatic and humanitarian risks – such as refugee fluxes, terrorism, among others – in the last three decades.

EcoCrime Data shows how land grabbing, illegal logging, wildcat mining and the illicit wildlife trade are damaging our climate.

Illegal gold mining in the Amazon has caused the destruction of the forest and lives. Explore our Illegal Mining page to know more.

The Guidance note on combating environmental crime: Lessons from fighting illegal gold in the Amazon Basin lists 12 measures already in place that can be valuable for law enforcement, criminal justice and environmental protection authorities to learn from each other, cooperate and coordinate activities within and across countries.

Between 2018 and 2019, the Institute constantly increased its capabilities to carry out data-based analysis of climate threats and environmental crimes. It also strengthened its data collection and produced research, documentaries and editorials on the specific challenges faced by the Amazon and Sahel, as well as developed partnerships at the United Nations, with business groups and non-governmental organizations.