Conference Panel: Climate Change Amidst a Deepening Political Crisis

On 22-23 July 2022, three researchers affiliated with the MyClimate project participated in a panel for the 7th International Conference on International Relations and Development entitled ‘The Fight for Climate Justice Amidst Myanmar's Deepening Political and Environmental Crisis’.

The panel was organized by Justine Chambers, a postdoctoral research fellow at DIIS on the MyClimate project.  The panel began with a presentation by Dr Ashley South, a long-time political analyst of conflict in Myanmar, who emphasised the unique role played by ethnic armed organsiations and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in developing locally-led climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Saw Yan Naing, a PhD Candidate at Chiang Mai University under the MyClimate project, spoke about the significant challenges the previous civilian government faced in implementing policies to monitor the environmental impacts of mining projects and the increased exploitation of natural resources, since the coup. Finally, Dr Chambers spoke about important role played by youth in spreading awareness about the effects of climate change and the importance of preserving the environment, both before and after the coup. The panel highlighted the significant challenges facing communities and the environment in Myanmar and the importance of investing in grassroots community-led ethnic and indigenous organisations.