Climate Change & Humanitarian Mine Action
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(COEBS) Wars significantly damage the environment, leaving behind landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) that pose long-term threats to people and ecosystems. ERW contamination affects millions globally, with countries like Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Ukraine being heavily impacted. Climate change exacerbates these risks, as extreme weather events can remobilize ERW or trigger landscape fires. Addressing these challenges, the updated International Mine Action Standards (IMAS 07.13) emphasize integrating climate change adaptation and environmental management into mine action activities.
Developed with support from organizations like Norwegian People’s Aid and CEOBS, the new guidelines advocate for understanding the environmental context of clearance operations, reducing the carbon footprint of mine action, and embedding climate adaptation measures. This holistic approach aims to support local communities, protect nature, and ensure sustainable use of cleared land, aligning with initiatives like the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations.
