Role of Climate Change in Aggravating Resource Constraints Leading to Regional Conflicts: Case Study of South Asia

Mahak Fatima Durrani; Sadia Masood; Saqib Mahmood; Awais Ahmed

Mahak Fatima Durrani Lecturer Political science GGDC Pabbi, Visiting Lecturer International Relations University of Peshawar
Sadia Masood Lecturer, Pakistan Studies, Department of Pakistan Studies, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
Saqib Mahmood Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Islamabad, Pakistan
Awais Ahmed Student, Department of Political science, Universitas Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change is a significant factor in worsening resource scarcity in South Asia, which is already sensitive to climate changes. In this paper, the author examines how global climate shifts including changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and increased frequency of natural disasters increases scarcity of resources most especially water, food and energy resource. Some of the geographical and socio-economic features of South Asia are vulnerable to these impacts such as reliance on monsoon rains and glacier-fed rivers, high population density. Drawing on historical and present day resources use conflicts, the study shows how climate change escalates resource competition in the region. The work also employs case studies to show how resource scarcity due to climate change leads to the following conflicts. For example, the conflict over water sharing like the Indus water issue between India and Pakistan and over the Brahmaputra River between India and China are used to show how climate variability aggravates the existing conflict. Also, the study deals with the impact of climate change on food security and adding to the energy crises which can potentially lead to conflicts as well. This is an indication that socio-economic factors such as poverty, inequality, and governance together with climate change, act as catalysts for instability of the region. Thus, the study underlines the importance of a joint regional and international response to the diverse consequences of climate change. The study recommends the strengthening of regional collaboration, sound policies and the adoption of gender perspective in climate change and conflict management. It also focuses on the involvement of the external actors in the promotion of Climate Resilience in South Asia through funds and expertise. The discussed potential future realities imply that in order to prevent further aggravation of the situation and subsequent frequent occurrence of the climate-related conflicts and forced displacement, it is necessary to develop effective strategies for the region’s sustainable development.

Keywords: Climate Change, Resource Constraints, Extreme Weather, South Asia, Sustainability.