Climate Crisis and Global Tensions: Impact on Political Stability

The climate crisis and global tensions have a significant impact on political stability in various parts of the world. Climate change, which includes increasing earth temperatures, decreasing air quality, and rising sea levels, causes disturbances that can trigger instability. Countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially developing countries, often have weak political structures, making them more susceptible to social unrest. Water and food crises due to climate change can trigger conflicts between countries and within the country. For example, the occurrence of a prolonged drought in a particular region can create tensions between communities competing for limited resources. Research shows that 80% of conflicts in Africa in the last two decades are related to depleting natural resources. People’s dissatisfaction with the government’s inability to overcome the crisis also contributed to political turmoil. The effects of global warming not only affect the agricultural sector but also public health. Rising temperatures can trigger heat waves, the spread of disease, and increased air pollution, which in turn can reduce economic productivity. This economic dissatisfaction can exacerbate people’s frustration with the government, making it easier for protest and resistance movements to emerge. Large countries are not immune from the impacts of climate change, and tensions between countries with different interests often increase in response to environmental issues. For example, countries that depend on the oceans sometimes clash over rights to resources in areas affected by rising sea levels. This has the potential to cause diplomatic and military tensions. Additionally, unfairness in the distribution of climate change impacts creates a broader sense of social dissatisfaction. Developed countries that contribute more to greenhouse gas emissions often do not experience the same direct impacts as developing countries. This injustice can generate anti-globalization rhetoric and exacerbate tensions between northern and southern countries. The need for international cooperation to address climate change has been widely recognized, but such efforts are often hampered by differences in political interests. Negotiations in global forums such as the COP (Conference of the Parties) often reveal tensions between different countries, hindering necessary collective action. Additionally, the decision to implement stricter environmental policies can create domestic political problems, especially in countries that depend on fossil-based industries. A study from the UN Environment Program indicates that almost 40% of the world’s population will live in conditions vulnerable to the impacts of climate change by 2030. This requires efforts to maintain political stability by guaranteeing access to resources and providing adequate assistance to regions hit hard by climate disasters. Therefore, it is important for political leaders to understand the relationship between the climate crisis and political stability. Responsive, inclusive and sustainable policies are needed to overcome the challenges facing society today. For example, implementing climate-resilient agricultural techniques, sustainable urban planning, and investing in renewable energy can support community resilience while strengthening local and global political stability.