Three days ago, the United Nations marked the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. This day has been in place since 2001 and it aims to “consider that damage to the environment in times of armed conflict impairs ecosystems and natural resources long after the period of conflict, often extending beyond the limits of national territories and the present generation.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shared a message to make the day, emphasizing the direct reliance of over half the rural poor on natural resources for sustenance and income. Ban Ki-moon noted that “40 per cent of internal conflicts over the past 60 years were associated with land and natural resources” and that environmental issues must be kept in mind if we are to build peace.

For over a decade, the role of environmental degradation in conflict has begun to receive more attention; however, the majority of this attention comes from academia and policy groups. While it’s great that the people who should be in the know are, there is a shocking amount of disconnect between them and the general public. 

I mostly bring up the message from Ban Ki-moon and the UN’s marking of November 6 to raise awareness that environmental issues are intrinsically tied up with human issues. The inability to make this link relevant to people indirectly affected is a failure on our part. I have no great insights to offer - I mean, it’d be rad as hell for me personally and for the world at large if I could suggest some way to make important issues seem relevant to everyone. But, I would be interested in knowing who knows about this UN initiative. Leave a response in the box?