Climate change, instability and displacement in the Sahel. Challenges and the European Union’s response

Abstract

The Sahel is one of the most environmentally degraded areas in Earth, as well as one of the most conflicting regions. The combination of these factors makes the Sahel an area of great instability, where it can be observed the potential effects of climate change on societies with insufficient resources for adaptation. The study of the mobility in the Sahel as a consequence of adverse climatic effects, as well as the law applicable, together with the analysis of possible conflicts that may arise between communities as a consequence of the effects of climate change, constitute an essential element for understanding the current situation and future developments in the area. Moreover, the Sahel is a region of great interest to the EU given its proximity and the fact that its instability has a particular impact on the EU, mainly in terms of migration and security. This paper therefore, also analyses the EU's response to the effects of climate change in the Sahel and the need to stabilize the region.