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BCSC II: Climate change and a new reality of urban displacement | IRC | 29.09.2020

Building on the high-level political Part I of BCSC 2020 and the launch of the Global Climate Security Risk and Foresight Assessment, Part II of the conference runs from September 7 to October 2. It brings together the climate-security community of practice and aims to inform policies and programming on the ground, including the Global Climate Security Risk and Foresight Assessment led by adelphi and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

The conference features a diverse and engaging programme of 22 partner-led online sessions, on themes selected to further the understanding of, and ability to address specific aspects of climate change and security which urgently need deeper exploration. Topics include how to better use data in climate security risk assessments, urban climate-security risks, integration of gender into responses to climate-security risks, and migration and displacement in the context of climate change and conflict. Events are hosted by adelphi, the Berghof Foundation, CCCPA, Chatham House, Clingendael, the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office, the German Red Cross, the International Development Law Organization, the IRC, the Munich Security Conference, PIK, the Red Cross Crescent Climate Centre, UNEP, and the UNSSC. 

Sudden and slow effects of climate change factor into forced and voluntary migration of different people, with the primary destinations mostly being urban centres. Resulting in the expansion of informal neighbourhoods, often with pre-existing socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities - managing increasing levels of urban populations at risk poses new challenges for city administrations, civil society and the private sector alike, especially in fragile countries.

The session provides an overview of global research and trends regarding the links between climate change, urban migration and risks to increased violence. The speakers provide insights into their responses to these new challenges, covering the following main themes: urban peace and resilience building, ensuring healthy growing urban environments and climate change mitigation through regeneration and green jobs.

Moderator

  • Lucy Earle, Principal researcher Human Settlements, International Institute for Environment and Development

Speakers

  • Lamia Rashid, Deputy Regional Director – East Africa, International Rescue Committee
  • Jay Patel, CEO, Enlight Institute
  • Dr. Ebru A. Gencer, Executive Director, Center for Urban Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (CUDRR+R)
  • Karen Hetz, Urban Management of Internal Migration due to Climate Change (UMIMCC)and Urban Management of Migration and Livelihoods (UMML), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
  • Catherine-Lune Grayson, Policy Advisory, International Committee of the Red Cross