The UK’s Overseas Development Institute (ODI), a leading think tank on international development and humanitarian issues, recently released two studies that make valuable contributions to the broader climate and security dialogue.

The first report, When disasters and conflicts collide: improving links between disaster resilience and conflict prevention, by Katie Harris, David Keen and Tom Mitchell, focuses on “the links between conditions of vulnerability and risks associated with the nexus of natural disasters, conflict and fragility,” and asserts that “Climate change, continued urbanisation, food price fluctuations, financial shocks and other stresses may all shape – and complicate – future trends in the disaster–conflict interface.” More specifically,

This study assesses the evidence base for how natural disasters affect conflict, how conflict affects natural disasters, and how people living in complex environments are affected by multiple risks. We also consider what can be learned from current practices to improve conflict prevention, statebuilding and disaster risk management in ways that help build resilience.”

The second report, Finance for emergency preparedness: links to resilience, by Katie Harris, explores the nuances of increasing funding for disaster prevention and preparedness as a means to build the resilience of communities.

Both studies are worth adding to your reading list.