Responding to Change: Mapping Climate Change, Conflict and Aid in Africa

Ashley Moran, Strauss Center

Re-Mapping Africa in GIS: From Health to Humanities

Harvard University March 30, 2012

Lead Researchers: • Joshua Busby • Jennifer Bussell • Kerry Cook • Cullen Hendrix • Alan Kuperman • Ashley Moran • Clionadh Raleigh • Timmons Roberts • Idean Salehyan • Mike Tierney • Ned Vizy • Kate Weaver

Partners at: • AidData • Bocconi University, Milan • Brigham Young University • College of William and Mary • Igbinedion University • Johns Hopkins University • Trinity College Dublin • University of Antwerp • University of Birmingham • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill • University of North Texas • University of Witwatersrand

CCAPS examines the nexus of climate change and security in Africa

Climate Change Vulnerability • Climate change vulnerability model • Climate projection model

• Social Conflict in Africa Database • Armed Conflict Location and Event Datasets

• Constitutional design and conflict management • Democratic governance • Disaster response capacity

• Tracking and geomapping climate change

adaptation aid

National Response

International Response

Climate and Conflict

1996 – 2000 2001 – 2005 2006 - 2010

How are conflict patterns changing over time and space?

For example, conflict events involving the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have gradually diffused across Uganda’s borders…

LRA conflict events have diffused into areas with less stability and more climate insecurity like South Sudan and northern DRC. Such conflict patterns compound climate security challenges that countries face.

1996 – 2000 2001 – 2005 2006 - 2010

…and where do these conflict trends compound climate-related vulnerabilities?

Geocoded aid projects from Malawi pilot study are visualized in CCAPS’ dynamic mapping tool

Is aid targeting areas of greatest climate security risks?

Is aid targeting areas of greatest climate security risks?

Users can assess how aid projects relate to areas of climate security vulnerability

• Historical and projected climate vulnerability data to assess drivers of vulnerability

• Real-time conflict tracking updated weekly

• Data on governance and disaster response capacity

• Climate-coded international aid projects

• Mashups, data downloads, map exports

Next additions:

• Mapping tool: ccaps.aiddata.org

• Data: ccaps.strausscenter.org

• Contact: amoran@austin.utexas.edu

Stay in touch!