ABSTRACT: This article examines the relationship between climate change and armed conflict, and considers whether the Paris Climate Agreement adopted in December 2015 adds anything to the existing international legal framework applicable to the prevention of climate-related armed conflict.
It first provides an overview of how the relationship between climate change and armed conflict is currently reflected in international law, focusing on both international humanitarian law, and international environmental law. Subsequently, it discusses to what extent the link between climate change and armed conflict is recognized in the Paris Climate Agreement. The article concludes that while this Agreement does not mention any specific commitments in this regard, it does (i) call for specific proposals on how to address climate-driven migration, and it (ii) includes several references to the need to 'reduce vulnerability' and to 'strengthen resilience' to the adverse effects of climate change, thereby leaving sufficient scope to take measures aiming at preventing climate-driven conflicts.
