Last week, the CoE co-organised three events that explored the critical intersections between climate, security, gender, and disinformation, topics of central importance to the Centre's work. 

The sessions brought together practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in three different forums to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss how climate change is impacting peace and security efforts globally. 

The role of climate and environment in peace processes 

The CoE began its Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC) contributions with a panel discussion and a workshop on the implications of climate change and environmental degradation for dialogue and mediation in peace operations and crisis management. 

Co-hosted with the Centre for International Peace Operations, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Folke Bernadotte Academy, and CMC Finland, the session brought together participants from across civil society and international organisations, ranging from operational practitioners to high-level policymakers. 

Discussions highlighted how integrating environmental considerations into peacebuilding processes can increase the sustainability and inclusiveness of dialogue and mediation efforts.  

Key contributions came from Charity Watson (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan), Abdikarim Dahiye (The Intergovernmental Authority on Development), Tendai Kasinganeti (United Nations Office to the African Union), and Anne Funnemark (UN Office of the Special Envoy), moderated by Agnes Cronholm (Folkes Bernadotte Academy) and opened by keynote speaker Oli Brown (TrustWorks Global). 

Advancing gender-responsive approaches to climate and security 

Later the same day, the CoE co-hosted an official side event on Gender, Climate and Security together with the European External Action Service Civilian Operations Headquarters. 

The event brought together voices to discuss how gender-responsive approaches to peace and security are essential to understanding and addressing the impacts of a changing climate. Participants explored practical ways to strengthen the integration of gender perspectives into conflict and crisis management, ensuring that climate and environmental challenges are sustainably addressed through the inclusion of gender responsive approaches. 

Laura Birkham (Hague Centre for Strategic Studies) delivered the keynote address, highlighting both WPS agendas: Women, Peace and Security and Water, Peace and Security, as mutually reinforcing pillars of a more connected and resilient world. 

Climate security and disinformation 

The CoE concluded its BCSC participation with a session on Climate Security and Disinformation, featuring a conversation between Jonah Thompson from theCenter for Countering Digital Hate and Dr. Kira Vinke from the German Council on Foreign Relations. 

Their discussion examined how misinformation and manipulation are increasingly shaping public perceptions and policy debates on climate and security.  

Key points included: 

• Why new forms of climate denialism are more dangerous than traditional ones — today’s narratives no longer deny climate change science outright but instead seek to discredit action against it.  

• How climate information is increasingly targeted by foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) tactics. The polarising nature of climate discourse is leveraged to influence public opinion and decision-making. 

• How disinformation reshapes ‘social proof’ — altering perceptions of what is normal or widely accepted, and eroding trust in institutions and science. 

The CoE extends its thanks to Senior Advisor for Climate, Environment and Security, Ida Erikson, and Senior Advisor for Gender Mainstreaming and Increasing Women’s Representation, Marianne Flach, as well as to all our partners at the Centre for International Peace Operations, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Folke Bernadotte Academy, CMC Finland, European External Action Service, and Adelphi for their collaboration in making these events a success.