Competition over resources

In the environmentally constrained but more populous world that can be expected over the course of this century, there will be greater scarcity of three key resources: food, water and energy. Demand for all three resources is already beyond that which can be sustained at current levels. Once population growth and the effects of climate change are factored in, it is clear that greater competition for such resources should be expected, both within and between countries, potentially leading in extreme cases to conflict.

East Africa's Albertine Rift: Competition for land and resources in one of Africa's most fertile and densely populated regions.

Robert Draper | National Geographic | October 2011

Issue:Competition over resources

As the global population soars toward nine billion by 2045, this corner of Africa shows what’s at stake in the decades ahead. The Rift is rich in rainfall, deep lakes, volcanic soil, and biodiversity. It is also one of the most densely populated places on Earth. A desperate competition for land and resources—and between people and wildlife—has erupted here with unspeakable violence. How can the conflict be stopped? Will there be any room left for the wild?

Image Source: DFID

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Posted on 27/10/11

Competition over resources: Drivers of insecurity and the Global South

Hannah Brock | Oxford Research Group | October 2011

Issue:Competition over resources

'By 2050, the global population is expected to peak at 9 billion. In an environment already constrained and changed by human activities, we can expect greater scarcity of three resources vital to the maintenance of both the economic order as it now stands, and the preservation of human life in general: energy, water and food. At current population levels, demand for some key resources is already unsustainable. As the number of people on the planet - and the number of people living “affluent” lifestyles - increases, and the effects of climate change are factored in, greater competition over resources is highly probable – affecting individuals, communities and states.'

Article source: Oxford Research Group

Image source: Maks Karochkin

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Posted on 3/10/11

A Thai Perspective on Proposed Mainstream Mekong Dams

Teerapong Pomun | The Stimson Center | September 2011

Issues:Competition over resources, Marginalisation

The Mekong River is very important for millions of local communities along the mainstream and its tributaries who depend heavily on the river's natural ecosystem functions. The health of the river is the health of the communities. Changes in the river basin mean a lot to those marginalized people who too often have no voice and have limited alternatives for sustaining their livelihoods.

Article source: Stimson Center

Image source: Roberto Moretti

Posted on 29/09/11

The Fight for Libya’s Oil

David Anderson | Politics in Spires | September 2011

Issue:Competition over resources

While the remaining forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi still hold out against the rebel militia and its NATO allies in the coastal town of Sirte, the fight for Libya’s oil has already begun. Europe’s oil companies are hovering like a flock of carrion birds over the carcass of Gaddafi’s regime writes David Anderson for the Politics in Spires blog.

Image source: Imahornfan.

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Posted on 16/09/11

Conflict, Climate Change, and Water Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Oluwole Akiyode | peace and conflict monitor | September 2011

Issues:Climate change, Competition over resources

The paper is a review of literatures on conflict, climate change and water security on Sub-Saharan Africa. It identifies poverty as a threat in Sub-Saharan African countries that may have effect on its water security. It analyses in Sub-Saharan Africa region, the conflict trend of water security in correlation with climate change impacts. It advocates sustainable water management as the ameliorative and mitigation approaches to the negative effects of climate change on water security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Article source: peace and conflict monitor

Image source: Abdurrahman Warsameh for the International Relations and Security Network