The risk of conflicts in the world increases due to water scarcity and inflation

London, Nov 1 (EFE).- The risk of conflict may increase due to a shortage of food and water and inflationary pressures caused by the climate crisis, according to a report prepared by the Institute for Economy and Peace (IEP, in English).

The document, which analyzes ecological threats at a global level, highlights that, without concerted action, current levels of environmental protection will worsen and intensify conflicts, leading to an increase in forced migration.

The IEP, a laboratory based in Sydney, highlights that the number of countries that suffer serious ecological threats has increased - three more in the last year - and highlights that these territories have a population of 1.1 billion people.

The three new countries that have emerged as “hotspots” are Niger, Ethiopia and Myanmar, which have entered a damaging cycle of growing ecological threats and escalating conflict.

Each of them has faced famine and violence in the past 12 months, according to the report.

He specifically cites the current conflict in Ethiopia, the recent military coup in Niger, and the violence in Myanmar following its coup in 2021.

Ecological degradation has the greatest impact in conflict regions such as the Sahel, which faces governance problems, high levels of poverty and short-term climate variations.

Conflicts often spread from one country to another, affecting an entire region, he emphasizes, stating that there are currently more than 108 million displaced people, 24% more than in 2020.

Estimates indicate that 30% of all movements take place around 500 kilometers beyond the country of origin, and illegal entries into Europe from ecologically threatened countries are significant.

Based on current trends, IEP estimates show that by 2050, 2.8 billion people will reside in countries facing serious ecological threats compared to 1.8 billion this year.

Global food prices have increased by 33% since 2016, putting further pressure on the most vulnerable sectors.

Climate change has increased the risks of droughts, floods, cyclones and storms, the report adds, and estimates that a 25% increase in food insecurity could lead to a 36% increase in conflict.

The document also recalls that one in four people around the world does not have regular access to drinking water.

Global warming is likely to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius this century, making it more difficult to stay below 2 degrees Celsius, which may exacerbate the ecological situation.