Climate change is putting vulnerable conflict-affected populations under increasing strain and are threatening to undo progress achieved to date. Social protection programmes are considered a promising way of helping populations tackle short term risks while also promoting climate resilient livelihoods. Yet, questions remain about the extent to which they are set up to support longer term adaptation to climate change, beyond helping people cope in the immediate term, but leaving them no better prepared for future climate-related shocks and stressors.

This session will be drawing on STAAR work mapping current development agencies’ work in this area, developing programming guidelines and assessing potential entry points, BASIC Research case studies from Ethiopia and Niger, as well as a global review of social protection and climate change by CCASP.

Session outline

1. Jeremy Lind, Chair (BASIC Research): Welcome and introductions

2. Anna McCord (STAAR/CCASP): Social protection and climate change, overview and typology

3. Chris Jack (RCCC/BASIC Research): Using climate storylines to explore the potential of social protection to strengthen resilience

4. Lars Otto Naess (BASIC Research): Social assistance and resilience capacities in conflict-affected settings: emerging findings from Ethiopia

5. Meghan Bailey (RCCC/BASIC Research): Interactive activity to discuss role of social protection in supporting climate resilience

6. Q&A and plenary discussion

7. Closing