Potential Impacts of the Sudan War on Climate Change

The Face of Truth 

Ibrahim Shglawi

The war in Sudan is one of the most violent conflicts that has led to significant environmental and climate changes in the region. The international organization had previously warned of climate changes that could impact rainfall rates in sub-Saharan Africa and the Horn of Africa. Several sessions were held in Khartoum in February 2023, prior to the outbreak of the war in mid-April of the same year. Therefore, the impacts of this war are extensive, not limited to social and economic effects alone, but also significantly affecting the environment and climate change.

It is evident that the aggression carried out by the Rapid Support Forces, which receive regional support and local backing from certain political forces, has resulted in massive environmental pollution due to the destruction of infrastructure, increased burning of homes and forests, and forced displacement of civilians. These practices and violations have raised pollution levels in Sudan and possibly in neighboring countries, depending on wind patterns, leading to climate changes and negative environmental effects in the near future.

As we know, the increase in climate change-related issues, such as floods, droughts, and rising temperatures, could have a significant impact on the daily lives of local residents in Sudan. Therefore, finding urgent solutions to this problem is essential to preserve the environment and maintain natural life in the region. Furthermore, rainfall rates in Sudan, upon which most of the population depends for agriculture and grazing, may be affected by these variables.

At the regional level, Sudan looks forward to cooperating with neighboring countries in a spirit of collaboration and solidarity to address the challenges of climate change and counter its negative impacts on the environment. Thus, all mechanisms that can achieve these goals should be strengthened after allocating sufficient budgets and necessary funding to confront this serious phenomenon that will impact the lives of local populations.

In his address to the “COP 29” Climate Summit in Azerbaijan, Sudan’s Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, emphasized the importance of implementing the Paris Agreement as a top priority. Al-Burhan noted that Sudan, like other nations, suffers from the impacts of climate change, and the international community must work together to combat it. Al-Burhan also spoke about the aggression launched by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, which has worsened the environmental situation in the country.

The practices resulting from wars, such as increased deforestation, internal displacement, and land abandonment, have contributed to pollution from the remnants of war, leading to infrastructure destruction and worsening Sudan’s environmental crisis. Therefore, the international community should support Sudan by first helping it classify the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist organization and condemning regional and local entities involved in providing it with weapons, political cover, and media support. Secondly, Sudan should be supported in developing mechanisms to reduce harmful practices that cause environmental pollution and environmental destruction and ensure the protection of the environment and natural resources in Sudan.

Especially as our country has been exhausted by this imposed war, which has weakened its economic resources. Therefore, the Sudanese government must take effective measures to protect the environment and promote sustainable development, as well as advance toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals, raise awareness of environmental issues, and encourage innovation in environmental solutions. The international community must support Sudan in this field and cooperate with it to find comprehensive solutions that contribute to sustainable development and preserve the environment for future generations.

Thus, the face of truth remains in confirming that Sudan is part of the global system and international efforts to address environmental challenges. Therefore, everyone must work together to build a better, more sustainable world for security and peace. This reminds us that Sudan actively participates in the COP29 international conference on climate change by showcasing its efforts and measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the environment. Neighboring governments participating in the conference must also have the capacity to develop their climate-related strategies so that we can work together through a consistent and effective framework to achieve sustainable development and preserve our countries, neighbors, and even the entire planet for future generations, free from any potential environmental and climate impacts.

Wishing you well and good health.

Shglawi55@gmail.com