Abstract of "Linkages Between Environment, Population, and Development" by Hillary French and Michael Renner

This issue paper from the United Nations and Global Security Initiative outlines the relationship between environmental degradation and several global conflicts which include: security conflicts, resource and wealth conflicts, food insecurity, disease, and disasters which cause inhabitability and "environmental refugees". The authors Renner and French offer solutions to address the detrimental outcomes created by the relationship between the environment and global conflicts. This solution includes the following five elements:

• Promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency,
• Prevention of land degradation and improvement of water productivity through sustainable agricultural practices and other techniques,
• Reduction of population growth rates by providing widespread access to family planning,
• Protection of ecosystems on which the poor depend, and
• Development of certification systems for natural resources that use consumer power to discourage illegal trade and promote sustainable harvesting.

The authors also describe the appropriate role for the United Nations and other international organizations when attempting to protect the environment by implementing environmental treaties.