Columbia University is harnessing the knowledge of its Earth Institute, Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) and Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program for an Executive Seminar on Environment, Peace and Security, September 17-21, 2014. Full details of the seminar can be found here. Given the increasing risks associated with environmental and climatic stressors, this executive seminar will provide a valuable foundation for those wanting to learn more about this growing area of interest. Deadline for applications is September 1, 2014. 

According to the program for the seminar, participants will come away with an understanding of both the trends and applications of environmental stressors in conflict and post-conflict settings:

In the Environment, Peace and Security Executive Seminar, you will learn how environment, peacebuilding, and security are increasingly interlinked and mutually dependent; the major trends shaping these linkages; and how these trends are affecting the worlds of business, development, and peacebuilding. You will be better prepared to:

• Assess conflict. You will be prepared to develop and employ tools and methods to understand the social, political, economic, and environmental drivers of conflict. You will be able to conduct rapid conflict assessments where environment and variability are a core component.
• Apply conflict analysis, mediation, and resolution skills.Identifying entry and leverage points, you will be able to better manage conflict and environmental threats, and capture opportunities for building resilience for changing dynamics.
• Communicate in conflict settings. You will be introduced to communication toolkits and approaches to managing conflict contexts.
• Understand and apply data collection and visualization tools.You will gain the ability to request data and information that can improve decision-making, understand data collection methodologies, core data applications, and how data can inform hotspot and risk mapping.
• Develop project planning approaches to mitigate risks.You will gain an awareness of how global leaders, governments, and major organizations are responding to the challenges of this rapidly evolving field, enhancing your knowledge and conversancy on the most important issues.
• Stay ahead of the knowledge curve. You will gain an awareness of what other companies, governments, global leaders and major organizations are doing, and build your ability to network effectively in this area. You will also gain knowledge of other innovators, new thinking, and initiatives on this rapidly evolving field.