In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Cedric de Coning and Andrew E. Yaw Tchie about the complex relationship between climate change, conflict, and human security in the Lake Chad Basin. Once a vital lifeline for millions of people across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, the region has become a powerful example of how environmental pressure, weak governance, displacement, and violent extremism can intersect to create a complex and evolving security challenge. The discussion explores why climate change is often described as a “threat multiplier.” Rather than directly causing conflict, environmental change is intensifying existing pressures on livelihoods, food security, and water access. The conversation highlights how droughts, floods, and rising temperatures affect farmers, pastoralists, and fishing communities, while also interacting with long-standing governance challenges and the ongoing insurgency involving groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. Drawing on their recent research at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Cedric and Andrew explain how climate pressures are reshaping social dynamics in the region, contributing to new forms of inter-community tension while undermining fragile recovery efforts. The episode also examines why international responses have struggled to match the scale of the challenge, and why adaptive peacebuilding, stronger local governance, and long-term resilience strategies are essential for managing climate-related security risks. The research is undertaken by an international consortium of researchers in Norway, Belgium and in the region, led by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI). The project is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Cross-border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) research fund.Cedric de Coning is a Research Professor at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) whose work focuses on adaptive peacebuilding and the climate–peace nexus. Andrew E. Yaw Tchie is a Senior Research Fellow at NUPI and Manager of the Training for Peace Programme, with research focusing on peace operations, stabilisation, and security cooperation across Africa. The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit ConducttTell us what you liked!The SafeWork Advantage PodcastMost workplaces react to violence—SafeWork Advantage shows employers how to prevent it.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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