Climate, Crisis and Courage: A UN Podcast

This episode explores Climate, Peace and Security in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, where recurring drought, water scarcity and extreme weather are putting growing pressure on livelihoods and communities already facing economic and political challenges. We look at how these pressures are shaping access to water and land, driving displacement and affecting prospects for peace and stability. We also hear how Afghans, the United Nations and its partners are responding with practical solutions to manage scarce resources, adapt to a changing climate and strengthen resilience.We also look beyond Afghanistan’s borders, exploring shared climate-related security challenges with neighbouring countries and Central Asia, and how regional cooperation can help address risks that do not stop at national borders.Nazanine Moshiri and co-host, Raphael Bodewig from UN System Staff College, speaks to Charity Watson, Climate, Peace and Security Advisor with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and Marwa Alam Safa, Founder and CEO, Climate and Environment Youth Initiative. References:UNRCCA co-organizes workshop on strengthening Climate Security and Peacebuilding Capacities in Central Asia and Afghanistan;Entry points for climate finance and peaceuilding in Afghanistan, Berghof Foundation, 2025 Climate, Crisis and Courage is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri.Produced by the Climate Security Mechanism and the United Nations System Staff College, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation.In this episode we used clips from BBC News and Al Jazeera.

This episode explores how climate, peace and security interact across West Africa. Across the region, climate change is placing growing pressure on communities, livelihoods and natural resources. Along West Africa’s Atlantic coast, rising and warming sea levels, coastal erosion, changing rainfall patterns and declining fish stocks are reshaping life from fishing communities to major port cities. At the same time, increasing resource scarcity and competition over land, water and other natural resources are creating new inland challenges for communities and governments across the region. We look at how these climate pressures interact with wider security and governance challenges, including mobility, youth unemployment, crime and competition over natural resources. We also explore the role of governance in managing growing pressures, why West Africa's coastline is emerging as an important climate and security frontier, and how communities, governments, regional organizations and the UN are working together to respond to shared challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.Nazanine Moshiri speaks to Ibrahim Yahya, Deputy Director of the Sahel Project at International Crisis Group, Mira Gratier, Consultant with the United Nations Environment Programme, and Tanya Merceron, Climate, Peace and Security Advisor at UNOWAS.References:International Crisis Group (2023): Containing Militancy in West Africa’s Park W.UNDP Prevention Facility for the Gulf of Guinea.Climate, Crisis and Courage is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri.Produced by the Climate Security Mechanism and the United Nations System Staff College, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation.In this episode, we have used audio clips from TVC News Nigeria and DW News. 

Iraq is facing a deepening water crisis, driven by years of conflict, drought, rising temperatures, and pollution. For many communities, water shortages are reshaping daily life, especially for young people. In this episode, we explore how these pressures intersect with conflict, and whether water management can offer a starting point for cooperation and a more stable future for Iraqis. Nazanine Moshiri speaks to Andrea Dekrout, Senior Mediation Adviser, DPPA Standby Team and Peshtiwan Al-Dawoudi, Country Director for Iraq, Berghof Foundation References:Schwartzstein, P. (2024). The heat and the fury: On the frontlines of climate violence. Island Press.Schwartzstein, P. (2023). Climate, Water, and Militias: A Field Study from Southern Iraq. Center for Climate and Security.Climate, Crisis and Courage is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri.Produced by the Climate Security Mechanism and the United Nations System Staff College, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation.In this episode, we have used audio clips from UN Web TV and World Is One News. 

This episode explores Climate, Peace and Security in Haiti.The Caribbean country is living through overlapping crises, where violence and instability are being intensified by climate shocks and environmental degradation. We look at how these pressures play out in day-to-day life, and how this affects Port-au-Prince differently from other areas. We also hear how Haitians are responding with practical solutions that protect livelihoods, reduce tensions, and strengthen resilience. Nazanine Moshiri speaks to Paul Judex Eduarzin, Governance Specialist, UNEP Haiti and Robert Muggah, Founder Igarapé Institute. Climate, Crisis and Courage is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri.Produced by the Climate Security Mechanism and the United Nations System Staff College, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation.In this episode, we have used audio clips from NBC News, France 24 English, Sky News and BBC News. 

The episode explores what climate, peace and security means in one of the world’s most climate-exposed regions where climate change is not a distant threat, but a lived reality shaping land, livelihoods and identity. It unpacks how rising seas, extreme weather, and environmental pressures intersect with governance, culture, and geopolitical dynamics in the Pacific, from regional frameworks to community-level experiences in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. Through voices from the region, the episode highlights how climate risks translate into security challenges, while also showcasing Pacific-led responses, from local resilience practices to regional leadership shaping global agendas. Nazanine Moshiri speaks to Jamie Tarawa, UNDP Climate Security Advisor to the Pacific Island Forum, via the CSM and Dr. Jeffrey Noro, Executive Director of the Kainake Project. References:Catching the last wave - The Climate Security Podcast;The Pacific Islands Forum;Melanesia Bio-Cultural Network.Climate, Crisis and Courage is hosted by Nazanine Moshiri.Produced by the Climate Security Mechanism and the United Nations System Staff College, in collaboration with the Berghof Foundation.In this episode, we have used audio clips from Oxfam Aotearoa and New Scientist.