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Climate Change and Conflict: Addressing the Inevitable through Conflict
Transformation
Kaitlin Kerr
knk3@georgetown.edu
(610) 420-3271
717 Gulph Rd Wayne, Pa 19087
Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service
International Security, Class of 2009
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Abstract
In a world facing the growing problem of climate change, it is necessary to appropriately
prepare for its impacts. However, too rarely is proper consideration given to the exacerbating
effect climate shifts have on conflict. By utilizing the case study of Uganda, this paper examines
the role for conflict transformation in finding nonviolent, creative solutions to growing conflicts
from income insecurity, resource scarcity and other threats due to climate change. By
incorporating inclusive dialogue to create widely accepted solution based in local culture,
conflict transformation will be able to address both local conflicts and climate change in tandem.
Introduction
Our planet faces a growing disaster in the form of climate change. This crisis has
manifested itself in environmental consequences and will impact economic, political and social
systems. Those least able to adapt, namely the poor of the developing world, will be most
affected. Most worrisome is the aggravating effect climate change will have on conflict. Conflict
is an inevitable phenomenon. However, with added pressure due to resource scarcity and
hardships originating from climate shifts, conflict has the potential to become more frequent and
violent. Although economic and ecological preparations are currently being considered by
policymakers, little attention is paid to the effects on conflicts. Through the utilization of conflict
transformation, which addresses the inevitability of conflict and seeks to create opportunities
from these hardships, it will be possible to shift energy from competition and violence to creation
and collaboration.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the various factors at work in the
relationship between climate change and conflict, this paper focuses on the case of Uganda.
Although the Ugandan government has prepared economically, it has little considered future
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amplifications of historical and recent conflict by climate change. Ugandans face the obstacle of
a recent civil war, with a history and present of responding to conflict with violence. By
incorporating conflict transformation institutions at local levels, cooperation and understanding
can be fostered in place of confrontations and violence. These preventative measures can offer
voice to and enhance adaptability among the poor. Although climate change and conflict are
inevitable processes, preparation and consideration for those most affected will result in the
prevention of unnecessary violence and suffering and create constructive community dialogue
and collaboration.
Context: Climate Change
Largely due to the human burning of fossil fuels, massive amounts of carbon dioxide
have been released into the atmosphere, creating a gradual warming of the planet. In the last two
centuries humans have discharged approximately 2.3 trillion tons of carbon dioxide, half of
which occurred in the last thirty years. This has resulted in a 31% increase of CO2 since 1750 and
rising temperatures. The Third Assessment Report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a global temperature rises of 1.4°C to 5.8°C by the end of the
century (WWF).
These shifts in climate will have dramatic consequences around the globe, but especially
in and for developing countries, which have a greater dependence on agriculture, large
population growth, weak infrastructure and low adaptive capacity (Evans). The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that “Africa is one of the most
vulnerable continents to climate change and climate variability, a situation aggravated by the
interaction of “multiple stresses”, occurring at various levels, and low adaptive capacity”
(Brown, Hammill and McLeman). Within African countries, the poor are the most susceptible.
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Significant correlations exist between inequality, poverty and a lack of diversification of income
sources (Orindi and Eriksen). Due to limited access to alternatives, the poor have a very difficult
time adapting to changes which affect their livelihoods. Among the larger impacts of climate
change are decreased food yields, accelerated desertification or flooding which destroys fertile
land, increased climate variability, creating economic shocks, and the accelerated spread of
disease. Diminishing access to resources, such as land and water, will increase competition,
create environmental refugees and exacerbate issues of vulnerability (Evans). These drastic
impacts are only a few among many and each contains various feedback loops which create a
cycle of adversity.
Context: Uganda
Uganda is an East African nation with a population of around thirty-one million, 34% of
whom live below the national poverty line, and an annual GDP of only eleven billion dollars.
The lack of economic resources has led to weak infrastructure, evidenced by the fact that 64% of
the population has access to an improved water source and only 29% of the urban population to
improved sanitation facilities. Much of the population relies on the environment. Sixty-five
percent of the land is committed to agriculture (World Development Indicators Database). A
large portion of citizens are self-employed in agriculture, which makes up forty percent of GDP
(Orindi and Eriksen). These circumstances make Uganda very vulnerable to the effects climate
change, with little adaptive capacity.
Uganda also faces the additional hardship of being in recovery from a recent, twenty-one
year internal armed conflict between the state, represented by the Ugandan People’s Defense
Force (UPDF), and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), led by Joseph Kony. Although the
opposing sides are currently at a ceasefire, Ugandans have already experienced around six
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thousand deaths directly due to this conflict (International Institute for Strategic Studies). The
LRA, which seeks to overthrow the state government and create a fundamentalist Christian
regime, has frequently abducted children and adults to serve as soldiers, not only within Uganda
but neighboring countries as well (International Institute for Strategic Studies). The UPDF also
committed multiple human rights and international humanitarian law violations. A survey by the
International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) found that thirty-seven percent of
respondents had been abducted by the LRA. Twenty one percent’s abductions lasted over a week
and two percent for over a year. In turn, six percent reported being beaten by UPDF soldiers,
fourteen percent were verbally abused by these men and nine percent had property destroyed.
Four percent of respondents had a family member killed by government soldiers (ICTJ).
The impact of this conflict created numerous religious, tribal and ethnic tensions and
pulled in many civilians. Sixty-seven percent of respondent to the ICTJ survey lost a family
member to the conflict and over eighty-five percent lost income, had their house destroyed or
had assets confiscated. Over one and a half million Ugandans have been displaced. In general,
Ugandans agree that the displacement camps and municipalities provide more access to health
care, education and water. However, they offer less economic and farming opportunities and
access to food (ICTJ). These shifts in lifestyle and population patterns are sure to continue to
create conflict and policy problems.
Residual and related conflicts continue to emerge despite ceasefire agreements. In June
2007, an agreement was made that called for reconciliation and accountability for war crimes
and crimes against humanity. Leaders of the LRA would not be given to the International
Criminal Court provided that a full peace agreement was reached, which included an alternative
justice system to try both militaries. However, Kony has been indicted by the ICC. This May has
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brought the creation of a special war crimes court for LRA rebels facing charges of human rights
violations. Security has remained relative stable in recent months. Nevertheless, the LRA is still
considered a regional security threat (International Institute for Strategic Studies). This violent
conflict has left a large imprint on the people and state of Uganda which creates circumstances
ripe for the escalation of conflict into violence. It has also weakened adaptive capacities and
human and social capital, leaving Ugandans vulnerable to shocks.
On top of these obstacles, Uganda is expected to feel a large impact from climate change.
The Food and Agriculture Organization has predicted the desertification of over 80% of the
country within 100 years. Since 1990, climate changes have created problems, ranging from the
disappearance of water bodies to decreased food production (Mugisa). With agriculture playing
such a large role in Ugandans’ lifestyles, this is a significant problem which could result in
higher food prices, less domestic revenues and a growing current account deficit. Food security
will also be weakened (Orindi and Eriksen). There have already been increases in malaria,
waterborne diseases, pests, floods and a significant loss of body in the ice caps of Mt. Rwenzori
(Mugisa). These increases in disease will not only harm quality of life, but economic well being,
both at the household and national level. The increasingly frequent periods of drought have
diminished both the quantity and quality of water resources, increasing competition between
groups. This could lead to the marginalization or exclusion of certain groups and violence.
Changes in rainfall can also cause soil erosion and siltation, which in turn further diminishes
water quality (Orindi and Eriksen). Environmental changes are indicative of future problems
which Uganda, with an already weak government and infrastructure, struggles to respond to.
Using these measures, Uganda is judged to be very vulnerable to climate change, yet has
taken minimal steps to minimize the consequences. For example, the government is a party to the
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United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and therefore recognizes and
supports the importance of addressing climate change. It has also ratified the UN Convention to
Combat Desertification and a program which aims to sustainably develop dry areas by providing
poverty alleviation, food security and sustainable environmental management has been
established (Orindi and Eriksen). Outside of this, Uganda has undertaken little preparation due to
constraints on funding and prioritization of other needs. This hesitancy has led Oxfam to
publically call upon the government to speed up adaptation and implement the Nation
Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPA). Oxfam’s demand arose from the evidence of effects in
Uganda today and the government’s weak implementation of environmental law. The major
current obstacle is resource access. About sixty-six billion Ugandan shillings, the equivalent of
around thirty-seven million US dollars, are needed to implement NAPA but the current fund has
only about one hundred and fifty-one billion shillings to be shared to all forty Least Developing
Countries. The government itself has little free revenue to contribute. Funding constraints can
partially be attributed to the diversion of funds towards war. Uganda also faces the constraints of
later development and the neo-colonialist economic policies of the West. Unless richer countries
and aid organizations contribute, implementation of comprehensive, adaptive measures remains
impossible (Ultimate Media). It seems preparedness activity is currently at a standstill without
external funding. With no new domestic revenue sources in sight, Uganda must look to the
international community to plan for climate change and its manifested effects.
Assessing Conflict and its Risks
Conflict is inevitable in human relations and can act as a motor of change. It impacts us
personally, relationally, structurally and culturally (Lederach, 5 and 23). It can be dangerous due
to violence or an opportunity to create something new. Conflicts of all types emerge from
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incompatible goals which are mutually exclusive. This incompatibility then gives rise to a
contradiction or issue, creating frustration. This is further intensified, the more basic the goals,
such as achieving fundamental human needs like food or shelter. The frustration may then lead to
aggression in the form of attitudes of hatred or behaviors of violence. The violence may be
directed at those with the contradictory goals or towards a less rational target. Thus, conflict
arises from a combination of attitudes, behaviors and contradiction (Galtung, Conflict
Transformation by Peaceful Means).
Violence can be generally defined as action intended to harm or hurt. It can lead to
retaliation in kind and create a meta-conflict, which moves beyond the original goals and
continues in a vicious cycle. A meta-conflict is perilous, growing and compounding itself,
pulling in other conflicts and actors. Conflict is inevitable but does not have to lead to violence.
The ultimate goal is to transform conflict positively, finding constructive goals for all parties to
the conflict and imaginative ways to achieve them nonviolently. Violence only arises once there
is a failure to transform conflict (Galtung, Conflict Transformation by Peaceful Means).
Unfortunately, this transformation becomes incredibly difficult when conflict is focused on basic
needs and there are few perceived options.
The UNEP has warned that new wars across Africa will arise unless a comprehensive
response to climate change is created (Brown, Hammill and McLeman). Africa is incredibly
vulnerable to climate change in the geographic sense. This is worsened by the existence of
multiple stresses and low adaptive capacities (Pachauri, R.K and Reisinger, A, eds.). Climate
change acts as a serious creator and stressor of conflict. Global warming either creates the
incompatible goals, by increasing competition for resources, or aggravates preexisting conflicts,
adding more contradictions and intensifying attitudes. Climate change threatens water and food
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security, the allocation of resources and coastal populations, which could lead to forced
migration, increased tensions and more frequent conflict. It has, in fact, been called a “threat
multiplier” (Brown, Hammill and McLeman). Food insecurity is an explosive issue, as it
challenges the ability to continue living in an area. Population migration creates conflict through
the often fearful response of locals (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency).
Consequences for climate change in Africa include a fall in agricultural production, water
shortages, mass migrations and greater risk from vector-borne diseases. Thus, climate change
creates another route to scarcity and collapse. (Brown, Hammill and McLeman). These obstacles
to fulfilling basic needs carry a special risk of escalation to violence.
The predisposition for violence is greater under certain circumstances. One is the
constraint of adaptive capacity. This occurs through a lack of infrastructure and services,
especially in resource-dependent communities. This insufficiency limits economic activity and
worsens poverty, which intensifies feelings of vulnerability and increases the probability of
violence (Brown, Hammill and McLeman). Political instability and poor governance also limit
adaptive strategies. The inability to avoid violence will weaken communities and proper
responses require an inclusive and transparent government. Also, it is not only poverty and
resource competition, but the feeling of present and future insecurity that exacerbates conflict.
The unpredictability and novelty of climate change creates high levels of anxiety and
uncertainty. Global warming does not have to lead to violence. It could, in fact lead to a sense of
unity against a common threat and to creative adaptive strategies. However, this requires the
proper response and support (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency).
Uganda specifically faces high levels of risk for escalation of conflict from climate
change. As a Least Developed, African country, with weak governance and poor infrastructure,
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Uganda possesses little adaptive capacity. This east African nation also has a poor and
agriculturally reliant population. The dependence on the land creates high sensitivity to climate
variability (Orindi and Eriksen). Poverty reduces resistance to economic shocks. Ugandans have
few alternative livelihoods and a low level of human capital and limited skill set. With low
adaptive capacity, Ugandans are primed to be seriously shaken by climate change.
The recent conflict has created widespread insecurity. In fact, it has been identified as the
leading reason for worsening poverty in the North. This is due to cattle raiding, theft, property
damage, population displacement and fatalities. A sense of insecurity will increase the chances
of violence. It also prevents long-term investment and restricts economic activities. These
circumstances arise from uncertainty about the future and the need to stay close to home, rather
than finding more productive, but unsafe, farmlands. The loss of property and family members
further weakens households and communities. There are less social networks and community
safety nets. These factors create a highly vulnerability population, with little ability to handle and
adapt to new shocks which will arise with climate change (Orindi and Eriksen). While eightyfour percent of Ugandans believe peace can be achieved, one cannot deny the lingering effects of
twenty-one years of war. There are still disagreements on who should be held accountable and
how. There are also mixed feelings on the ability to reintegrate former LRA members
(International Center for Transitional Justice). A weak and shattered community will struggle to
peacefully address conflicts.
Conflict Transformation
Climate change is inevitable and a creator and stressor of conflict. Although programs to
mitigate the damage and stress from the climate change itself are essential, it is equally or more
important to address the emerging conflicts. To do this, a framework which works with the
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inevitability and normality of conflict is necessary. The idea of conflict transformation is such a
framework and is most appropriate to addressing this issue. This is in place of the better known
paradigm of conflict resolution. This term implies the end of a problem and the idea that there is
a correct, finite solution. It is also focused on the present and is a more superficial approach.
Conflict transformation builds upon a wider view of conflict, which includes the immediate
situation, the underlying patterns of the relationship and context and a conceptual framework
which holds these two together, allowing one to understand and address both (Lederach, 11).
One comprehensive definition of conflict transformation is, “to envision and respond to the ebb
and flow of social conflict as life-giving opportunities for creating constructive change processes
that reduce violence, increase justice in direct interaction and social structures and respond to
real-life problems in human relationships” (Lederach, 14). Another conceptualization is the
changing of violent attitudes and/or behavior by applying creativity to contradictions to
transform the conflict upwards. The aim is to find positive goals for all parties and imaginative
ways of combining them, without the use of violence. It can happen at all levels of conflict and is
based upon peace dialogues with an emphasis on empathy (Galtung, Conflict Transformation by
Peaceful Means).
Conflict transformation works from the fundamental idea that constructive change arises
from dialogue. (Lederach, 21). Conflict transformation must attend to all levels of conflict by
addressing short term needs and working on strategic, long-term systematic and relational
changes (Lederach, 46). To properly address conflict, it is necessary, through dialogue, to
recognize both the immediate conflict and underlying issues, to identify what questions and
dilemmas these conflicts raise and to then come up with creative solutions which move away
from violence and towards mutual satisfaction (Lederach 62-65). This process requires a shift in
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mindset to understand conflict in a new way. It also requires empathy with the other side and an
innovative understanding of outcomes. The predominant understanding of conflict is that it is a
win-lose situation, where one side achieves its goal and the other gains nothing. Other commonly
identified outcomes are retreat, where neither side gains, or compromise, in which both parties
fail to be satisfied. Conflict transformation introduces another option, that of transcendence. This
outcome is a creative solution, in which both sides gain. It requires more imaginative thinking
and attempts to surpass the initial understanding of the disagreement to create a new situation
and goals. By creating more alternatives, the likelihood of violence is reduced (Galtung, Conflict
Transformation by Peaceful Means).
Conflict transformation can be successful at all phases of the violence cycle, that is
before, during or after violence occurs. It is always important to include the three Rs: resolution,
reconstruction, and reconciliation. These, in order, allow one to solve the original, root conflict,
repair damage done and address the meta-conflict from the past. In each phase, the ultimate goal
is to move to a nonviolent solution through dialogue. One must create a new reality,
transcendence, so that one can transform a conflict by transplanting this new reality. More
concretely, conflict transformation means transcending the original goals of the parties, creating
new goals and moving the conflict from the original conceptualization to a more positive place
(Galtung, Conflict Transformation by Peaceful Means).
To successfully implement conflict transformation theory, it is important to cover a few
key areas. First one needs to fully consider the conflict, outlining all the parties, goals and issues,
while paying attention to both the episode of current conflict and the underlying epicenter, or
meta-conflict. Each party identified must then be included in the process. A mediator or conflict
worker should have empathetic, individual conversations with each side to identify acceptable
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replacement goals and then introduce these to the entire group. Universally acceptable, creative
solutions will then be possible. Upon determining a way forward, tasks for each party can be
introduced and outlined. The conflict worker can then verify how new goals fulfill old desires
and help adversarial parties create a self-sustaining process (Galtung, Conflict Transformation by
Peaceful Means). This is a loose structure and may seem vague at first. However, the fluidity
allows conflict transformation to be applied to all types of conflicts, from the smallest, interpersonal disagreement to larger, international disputes. It is a holistic, customized process which
never unfolds the same way twice. The uniqueness of each conflict is embraced, while still
offering some uniformity for guidance. By basing the process on the individual parties, a
mutually agreeable solution is reached and each party feels heard and legitimized. It is this
acknowledgment which creates progress.
The Synergy of Conflict Transformation and Climate Change
Conflict transformation is uniquely poised to be applied to the growing problems
associated with climate change. The process is one of the few that recognizes and embraces the
inevitability of conflict. Global warming is an unstoppable force, originating from centuries of
human activity. While decisions today can alleviate this phenomenon and change the pattern for
future generations, some negative repercussions are going to be felt. Humans have realized the
consequences of our actions too late to avoid all consequences. In fact, the impact is already felt
and causing resource competition and conflict. The increasing pressure for basic goods and threat
to livelihoods will create conflicts at all levels of society. This competition will not be resolved
with one remedy. The solving of one fight over water rights will not relieve the deeper conflict of
limited resources. Conflict resolution is not enough to avoid violence. Conflict transformation,
on the other hand, works with the understanding that conflict can exist. However, it can function
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as a creator rather than a destroyer. By moving competing goals to a positive, nonviolent level,
the existence of conflicting interests is not a problem. Climate change could even create a unity
by putting other problems in perspective. Adaptation could bring people together against a
mutual threat (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency). The 2007 UNEP put it
well when it stated that ultimately, the extent to which climate change triggers a succession of
new wars in Africa depends more on governance and governments than on the strength of the
climate “signal” itself (Brown, Hammill and McLeman). The difference between violence and
transcendence is all in the approach.
Addressing conflict and confronting climate change can be viewed in synergy. Both
peace building and adaptation involve similar methods of dialogue and local engagement, inputs
and attitudes. “A society that can develop adaptive strategies for climate change in this way is
well equipped to avoid armed conflict. And a society that can manage conflicts and major
disagreements over serious issues without a high risk of violence is well equipped to adapt
successfully to the challenge of climate change” (Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency). Conflict transformation addresses multiple factors at once, from security,
politics and justice to socio-economic systems and tradition. This allows conflict and climate to
be dealt with simultaneously to achieve sustainable development and peace (Swedish
International Development Cooperation Agency).
The open-ended, adaptable nature of conflict transformation is crucial as no situation is
ever exactly alike. This complexity is further complicated by the fact that environments and
climates are extremely variable and will each be affected differently. Various levels of
adaptability and preparation will feed into these differences. While there is a general causal
connection between climate change and conflict, it is difficult to predict the impact and create
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responsive policy in advance. These difficulties arise from the complexity of the feedback loop
effects of global warming and the absence of data from many areas, especially those in conflict
or that are less developed. There is a decided lack of systematic analysis of climate trends.
Studies that do exist cover only limited areas and time spans. Finally, there is the difficulty in
predicting the conflicts themselves. There are many various inputs and variables, such as
government structure, ethnic dynamics, resource distribution and the existence of infrastructure
(Evans). No one area will be alike and it is impossible to predict where and when conflicts will
arise, nevertheless what they will be about. It is these inherent difficulties which make conflict
transformation such an appropriate solution. The adaptability and customized approach allows
for application everywhere. By setting up the mechanisms and resources needed for the conflict
transformation process in advance, one can be prepared, without specifying conditions.
Finally, the process of conflict transformation focuses on being inclusive, empathetic and
therefore empowering. The inclusion of all stakeholders, their desires and commonly acceptable
solutions, without winners and losers, offers everyone a voice, legitimizing their opinions. This
in itself relieves pressures and diminishes the probability of violence. There exist significant
linkages between inequality and poverty (Orindi and Eriksen). It is the feeling of insecurity and
helplessness that leads to resource competition and violence. Those most affected by climate
change and at the highest risk of coping through violence are also those least often heard. By
including all parties, it is possible to alleviate this sense of helplessness. Releasing frustrations
and sending this energy in a constructive direction will create positive progress, rather than
violence. With conflict transformation, the process, in part, is the solution.
Inclusiveness is also significant in creating legitimacy. To follow traditional policy
programs and organize institutions top-down will alienate local communities. Instead of
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solutions, tasks will feel like impositions from a distant, disconnected government (Swedish
International Development Cooperation Agency). The sense of foreignness will diminish followthrough and create more frustration and conflict. The importance of including all parties and
giving local culture a decisive role cannot be overemphasized. Culture is a fundamental
component of any program for sustainable development. It is necessary to balance cultural
diversity, social equity, environmental responsibility and economic viability. Culture and identity
is of equal significance to environmental, economic and social objectives, as these shape how the
environment is viewed and inhabited. Culture determines one’s definition of development and
actions (Nurse). The same holds true for addressing conflict. Thus the two issues can be handled
in tandem. It is necessary to create a balance between competing and conflicting interests, both
intra and inter-generational. One must prioritize cultural identity, self-reliance, social justice and
ecological balance (Nurse). The conflict transformation framework strives to do just this.
Identity, self-reliance and social justice are inseparable from an inclusive dialogue, in which the
community creates an action plan.
Utilizing Conflict Transformation in Uganda
There has already been some success with conflict transformation in Uganda. One
important example surrounds the development of water provisions. In two regions, local NGOs,
service providers and communities were brought together to determine how best to supply water
to decrease community divisions and promote discussions between citizens and local
government. This has reduced tension, created accountable, democratic structures and improved
the management of conflict (Evans). It is important to acknowledge this success. It shows the
applicability of conflict transformation, Ugandan’s openness to the approach and its conformity
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to reality’s constraints. This is just one example, on the small scale. However, it shows the
possibilities for conflict transformation strategies and the ability to put theory into action.
Applying conflict transformation to Uganda is difficult due to the vastness and diversity
of the region and the unpredictability of climate change’s consequence. It is impossible to
foresee, with any accuracy, specific incidents of conflict. There is a complex interaction of
history, current politics and economics, social dynamics and environmental change which creates
conflict. Limited resources create a necessity to act correctly and wisely. However, by focusing
on building a conflict transformation infrastructure based in local culture, a balance of openness
and specificity can be attained.
In preparing a culturally-sensitive structure, it is necessary to first understand Ugandans
at a basic level. The International Center Transitional Justice 2007 Population-based Survey is
helpful in building foundational knowledge. This survey found that the top overall priorities for
Ugandans are health care, peace, education for children and livelihood concerns, which include
food, agricultural land and money and finances. Justice itself is of minimal importance. These
findings can be interpreted in a few ways. Peace is incredibly important to Ugandans, which
bodes well for interest and participation in peace building structures. On the other hand, the
equal importance lent to livelihood concerns, while unsurprising, further emphasizes the
potential for conflict to accompany stresses from climate change. These two priorities
demonstrate the necessity of preparing for climate change in more than the economic sense.
Further findings demonstrate a cultural environment receptive to conflict transformation.
In response to the past civil war with the LRA, 90% of respondents believed peace could be
achieved through dialogue. Widespread acceptance of less formal court systems is demonstrated
by the preference of 80% of respondents for peace with amnesty in place of peace with trials.
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The fear that trials would hinder the peace process is one explanation for this figure. Openness to
conflict transformation over courts is further demonstrated by a preference for forgiveness,
reconciliation and reintegration of LRA leaders or their confessions and apologies over trials and
punishment. Even the work of the ICC is of secondary importance to the peace process. Finally,
traditional ceremonies are useful for some, demonstrating the importance of local customs over
western ideas of justice (International Center for Transitional Justice). If Ugandans can accept
these forms of peace building for such momentous and destructive violence, conflict
transformation for local conflicts will also be acceptable.
The application of conflict transformation in Uganda could take many forms. However a
widespread, loosely uniform structure appears most efficient. This would allow for enough
customization and applicability to setting, without losing a national and unified feel. Due to
restrictions on infrastructure and the diversity of regions, local centers should be established in at
least all major regions and at as many locations and at as small a scale as can be funded.
Consideration should be given to having a higher concentration in those areas most affected by
environmental change. These facilities can be technically simple or even dual purpose, as it is the
people who are really all that are required. At a minimum, the building should be comfortable
and large enough to fit all interested parties. These could be explicit offices, but also
gymnasiums, schools, local community centers or any such structure. However, the location
should be static to create legitimacy, stability and a sense of permanence.
At the national level, there must be one hub to organize the training and employment of
conflict workers, provide local sites with necessary physical and informational resources, handle
budgetary and funding concerns and offer general oversight. This central office could also work
to gain requested materials and knowledge for resultant programs. The necessity of this aspect
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has been demonstrated by the EUSSPPR, a similar concept applied to the conflict in Northern
Ireland. The program was highly decentralized which, while lending certain strengths, also
created inefficiency, overlap and a bureaucratic burden for programs applying for funding
(Racioppi and O’Sullivan).
The ideal list of participants in the conflict transformation program would include anyone
in Uganda and all who interact with its environment, government and economy. However, this is
unrealistic given various resource and time constraints, as well as interest. To be effective, all
immediate participants in any conflict must be present. This includes local citizens, from all
ages, sexes and socio-economic class. It also includes government officials and local business
representatives. Finally, environmental experts and trained conflict workers should be supplied
as support. It cannot be assumed that the general populace has the technical knowledge to
perform this process alone. A constant conflict worker must be on hand, with climate experts
available for consultations, though not necessarily always onsite. Once a conflict is brought to
the institution, preliminary interviews will include the identification by actors of further
stakeholders. While this does not guarantee absolute inclusiveness, its emphasis will go a long
way in incorporating key players.
A trained conflict worker is necessary to oversee the operations and dialogues. These
individuals should be local, employed full-time, committed to the operation and uniformly
educated, so that the basic framework is constant throughout. Ideally, they would hold some
influence in the community and have a positive reputation. This will ease the introduction of
conflict transformation institutions, decreasing unfamiliarity, and encourage people to utilize
them. The worker can also act as powerful opinion leaders, framing alternative ways of
interpreting the conflict, expressing the advantages of supporting a peace process and acting as
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brokers between the political elite and general populace (Racioppi and O’Sullivan). These
individuals must build relationships throughout the community and be accessible to everyone.
All suggestions of bias or identification with a specific group should be avoided. The use of local
leaders, while beneficial in connection with the community, is also a potential weakness. Ethnic
and socio-economic tensions may complicate the process. However, a continual demonstration
of impartiality and openness to all should work to dispel these suspicions. If divisions become a
recurring issue, then consideration should be given to the use of implanted third-parties.
However, migrant conflict workers may complicate integration, even with elite support
(Racioppi and O’Sullivan).
Conflict workers will act as both managers and mediators, running the office and day-today operations, as well as the actual conflict transformation process. They will be in charge of
tracking and gaining information on conflicts, which are brought to them or gain significance in
the community. They will also interview the interested parties to learn of goals and of other
stakeholders. During the dialogue, the conflict worker will act as a mediator; guiding the
discussion in a positive direction and ensuring all voices are heard and respected. The mediators
will keep record of various goals and ideas and chart the progress of outcomes and their
associated tasks. Finally, they will offer oversight and further support once solutions are found.
This is not to say that their role is that of enforcer, but more of a cheerleader and supportive
resource. It will be this individual’s responsibility to keep in contact with a central office and
submit requests for further assistance in carrying out programs.
Apart from working to ensure local support, national publicity should be undertaken.
Radio is the most important source of information, reaching a wide audience. The cost of
newspapers and television are more prohibitive (International Center for Transitional Justice).
Kerr, 21
Ads could be run touting the virtues of conflict transformation, explaining its use and even using
local celebrities and leaders as spokespeople. An initial media blitz would be useful in getting the
system running and building support for a new concept. There must also be a campaign to spread
the word with other media and methods. These could include advertisements elsewhere and on
the street, organized local talks and introductions of the program, celebrations and other
culturally significant and appropriate methods. The more Ugandans are familiarized with conflict
transformation and the resources at their disposal, the more conflicts can be addressed.
Besides domestic support, international backing could play a major role in providing
information, experts, strategic support and funding. It is the developed world which has created
the most carbon dioxide emissions and who have the most resources. Western nations have an
obligation to “clean up their mess” and to change destructive habits. This support would ideally
come through governments, with large budgets at their disposal. However, it has proven difficult
to convince most to even take minimal action to fight climate change. Aid could come through
humanitarian organizations and various NGOs, the UN or World Bank, philanthropic
corporations or individuals. International media should also create pressure for support and give
Uganda’s program exposure. There is no limit to ways to help. Dialogue and brainstorming
within Uganda would offer addition options yet to be considered.
Further research into conflict transformation and climate change are of course necessary.
The interplay of conflict and environmental degradation is still a new field of interest. There is
little known about the general acceptability and applicability of a conflict transformation
program to climate issues. Further investigation must also be given to the feasibility of a
widespread, loosely-based structure. This paper is simply a starting point, to foster an
international dialogue on solutions to this inevitable crisis. By utilizing a foundational principal
Kerr, 22
of conflict transformation, that of nonviolent, inclusive discussion, the international community
as a whole could move forward in a nonviolent direction and address a universal problem. No
solution is perfect or appropriate in all circumstances. However it is necessary that creative
action is taken. The old ways of doing things are not only detrimental but unsuitable to today’s
reality. By first accepting that climate change will have a large role in future conflicts, it may be
possible to avert large amounts of violence and suffering.
Conclusion
It is impossible to deny that the world is changing. Our environment has been degraded
through years of use and abuse. The climate is warming and access to natural resource is
changing. New stressors and the creation of competition to fulfill basic needs will create conflict.
The developing world is most vulnerable, with a low adaptive capacity and high dependence on
the environment. The limited resources currently available are being devoted to economic and
physical preparation. While crucial aspects of any solution, this focus neglects to address the
emergence of new and more frequent conflicts. Through the utilization of conflict
transformation, it is possible to embrace these inevitable conflicts and move in a positive,
peaceful direction.
A useful case for study is that of Uganda. This nation faces poverty, agricultural
dependence and the repercussions of a violent, twenty-one year civil war. The combination of
these characteristics creates a setting ripe for violence. One possible solution is the creation of a
diffuse conflict transformation structure, which allows for local, inclusive dialogues to address
ensuing conflicts. A balance of customization and uniformity will allow any variety of future
consequences to be addressed nonviolently. This low-capital approach depends on Uganda’s
Kerr, 23
richest resource, its people. Conflict transformation will allow for preparation at all levels which
could avert future losses of life and property.
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