While the scientific literature does not seem to support the thesis that water scarcities are a cause of inter-state wars, there are valid concerns about the possibility of low intensity and violent intra-state conflict prompted by extreme hydrological events such as droughts or floods. Hydrologically-triggered disasters, such as drought-inflicted famines, flash-floods and land-slides or river floods threaten human security and can be a source of suffering and involuntary migration. Existing studies show that climate extremes do not automatically cause disasters, conflicts or migration. Social factors often matter more than environmental. Conflict is unlikely in areas with good institutions, preparation plans in place and cohesive functional societies with social support. And conflict is not always bad or cooperation good. Conflict can prompt institutions to address problems and to reduce vulnerabilities, while cooperation can mask domination and continued vulnerabilities and sufferings.
These complex and context-specific inter-dependencies between environmental, social and political-economic factors call for inter-disciplinary, cross-comparative research covering a variety of geographical and historical contexts. This is what CLICO is all about.