A window into what we are reading at the Wilson Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program

Severe Water Crisis in Gaza

As intensive coverage of the war in Gaza has waned, the severe water crisis there has only worsened. Constant bombardment is impacting water production and distribution networks, forcing children and families are using water from unsafe sources.

Over 1.4 million displaced Gazans have sought shelter in UNRWA facilities, but recent reports suggest displaced children in southern Rafah governorate receive only 1.5 to two liters of water daily, well below the minimum required for survival.

The UNWRA estimates that 19,450 Palestinians have been killed in the months-long war.  UNICEF has emphasized the urgent need for food, shelter, medicines, and protection for hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Gaza, particularly children. The organization also has called upon the international community to address damage to water and sanitation facilities, which has led to increased cases of disease among children.

READ | A Reminder from Israel and Gaza on the Importance and Limitations of Environmental Peacebuilding

Scale Back Emergency Aid for Climate Resilience in Conflict Areas?

The Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace Declaration released at COP28 recognizes the climate vulnerabilities in areas of protracted crisis. Signed by over 80 states and 40 organizations, the document also calls for collective action to scale up climate finance for climate-induced disasters in conflict sensitive communities—both to anticipate them and provide for recovery.

Should this approach be rethought? A recent article in The New Humanitarian argues that it might be time to do so. Author Mauricio Vazquez criticizes a narrative that frames climate change primarily as a humanitarian crisis, and advocates for a shift in focus from treating symptoms through humanitarian work to addressing the root causes of climate vulnerability in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Vazquez suggests the adoption of a holistic approach to building climate resilience, involving reduced global warming, peacebuilding, development, disaster risk reduction, and anticipatory action. Humanitarian aid should only be a supplement to preventative action, with a focus on minimizing the impacts of unavoidable disasters. The goal is to work closely with long-term processes that address underlying structural problems and inequalities.

LISTEN | Relief, Recovery, and Peace: David Nicholson on COP28’s New Theme

Critical Minerals: Risks and Opportunities

A new report from the World Economic Forum highlights both key risks and management strategies for investment in critical mineral mining.  Because low-carbon abatement technologies and energy solutions rely on minerals and metals, this particular form of extraction has gained global attention.

Investing in mineral mining comes with risks, as current projections suggest an insufficient supply to meet the rising demand. The challenges include factors such as underinvestment in mineral exploration, decreasing grades, and disruptions in the mining supply chain. Without further action, anticipated shortages of commodities like nickel, lithium, and cobalt could lead to significant price spikes and volatility.

The World Economic Forum’s Securing Minerals for the Energy Transition (SMET) initiative identifies the importance of fostering collaboration between public and private entities to manage these risks. The aim is to secure a reliable supply of mineral through innovative strategies, capacity-building, and generating effective regulatory policy. 

READ | The Changing Geopolitics of Critical Minerals and the Future of the Clean Energy Transition