SIPRI: People are unprepared for new crises

The big picture outlined in the new report by the International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI, could not be more disturbing. Under the title “Environment of Peace: Security in a New Age of Danger”, its 30 authors speak of a “planetary emergency”. For a dangerous interaction between worsening environmental crises and security situations, for increasing deforestation, melting frosts and plastic pollution of the oceans that goes hand in hand with rising deaths from conflict, spending on weapons and people starve. For pandemics, such as coronavirus, that create new outbreaks. In short, a world at its worst.

“Clarity of vision and strategic direction”

There are many examples. From Somalia to the countries of Central America. “Transnational plans are missing, our world is stumbling on new, complex risk situations,” said Dan Simth, SIPRI’s director at Deutsche Welle. “Some leaders do not recognize the dangers, but they are the minority. Others would like to act, but they have other urgent priorities that require time and attention, such as the pandemic of the last two years and the war in Ukraine today. I do not think the biggest “The problem in most countries is domestic policy, but institutional capacity within government. It takes effort and clarity of vision and strategic direction for all parts of government to work together on a problem, especially when it arises in many different areas.”

The new age of danger is also described in numbers. For example, armed conflict doubled between 2010 and 2020, doubling the number of refugees and displaced people to 82.4 million. In addition, in 2020 there was an increase in nuclear warheads and in 2021 military spending worldwide exceeded 3 trillion dollars for the first time. But also in relation to the environment, the situation described by the SIPRI analysis is catastrophic.

Solving through cooperation

Apart from the findings, however, its authors also show possible ways out of the crisis with a guide, as they report, long-term visions but with short-term actions for those who formulate policy. The new era of danger also requires a new way of cooperating to deal with common threats, they emphasize. But how realistic are these recommendations? Do they just describe pious desires?

“Assuming something is impossible makes it impossible,” says Dan Smith. “To give up hope is to give up almost everything. I just want to remind you that the realistic personal interest dictates to the leaders of all their countries, regardless of population, economic output or armed forces, that the degradation of the environment causes and will insecurity can be tackled through cooperation, if they need security, they must reverse environmental degradation, and this can only be done through joint cooperation, Climate Action at COP 26 last November in Glasgow. ”

Ralph Bozen

Edited by: Irini Anastassopoulou

Source: Deutsche Welle