Addressing the relationship between climate, justice, and conflict: towards a peace-oriented transition?

Climate change (CC) is a triggering factor for several environmental disasters and extreme phenomena, which progressively intensify as the planet’s temperature rises. The consequences of these events impact populations differently, highlighting a series of injustices and inequalities, in addition to potentiating the occurrence of violent conflicts. CC, therefore, in addition to a widespread environmental crisis, appears – as well – as a matter of international (and national) security. The analysis proposed, hence, traces the relationship between climate, justice, and conflict, arguing that for achieving a climate neutral future, it is necessary to promote a peace-oriented transition. In this scenario, the legal order emerges as a fundamental instrument, especially through climate litigation actions – such as the Brazilian “green agenda”, which is examined as a case study. The article argues that the path towards a more adaptive society must be approached from a climate justice perspective: to ensure resilience and to promote environmental peace, all peoples need to be included as a part of the transformation.