STOCKHOLM - SIPRI and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) have released a fact sheet that focuses on Libya and the series of conflict- and climate-related issues that face the country and provides a set of recommended actions for how they can be addressed.

Libya is exposed to a number of climate hazards. In September 2023, Storm Daniel caused severe rainfall and floods, triggering the collapse of two ageing dams in eastern Libya. This left a trail of destruction in the city of Derna and its surrounding areas.

Libya is also one of the driest and most water-stressed countries in the world; it is prone to drought and less than two per cent of the country receives enough rain to sustain agriculture. Climate stressors are in turn aggravated by political turmoil, a divided government, protracted conflict and the presence of a plethora of armed groups.

These factors, which have contributed to mismanagement, corruption and a lack of good governance, affect efforts to address climate-related risks, including those that may influence peace and security dynamics.

About the contributors

Dr Thor Olav Iversen is a Senior Researcher at NUPI.

Katongo Seyuba is a Research Assistant at SIPRI.

Nadine Andersen is a Research Assistant at SIPRI.

Kheira Tarif is a Researcher at SIPRI.

Ingvild Brodtkorb is a Junior Research Fellow at NUPI.

Jules Duhamel is an independent cartographer and geospatial analyst consultant.

For the full paper, visit:

https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/02_sipri-nupi_fact_sheet_libya_august_270824.pdf