Climate change's devastating effects on ecosystems, infrastructure, and livelihoods destabilize states and fuel conflicts. Rising temperatures, droughts, and extreme weather events displace populations, exacerbate resource scarcity, and disrupt food security. States with weak governance and fragile economies are particularly vulnerable; their inability to adapt to climate impacts increases social grievances, political instability, and vulnerability to external intervention. Competition over shrinking resources, such as water and land, can escalate into violent conflicts, as seen in the Darfur region of Sudan and the Lake Chad Basin. Climate change also exacerbates existing social and political tensions, empowering extremist groups that exploit grievances and recruit members by offering protection and a sense of purpose.
