WISEN WATCH

The Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS) is a specialised UK charity that provides a voice for our environment — and those who depend upon it — when it faces harm from armed conflicts and military activities.

Wars are often when the environment is least protected and cared for. By making the environmental impacts of conflicts more visible through our activities, we make it more likely that the environment will be protected, assessed or restored, and that people affected by any damage will be helped. At CEOBS, we use a range of different tools to map and assess damage, including satellite remote sensing, open-source intelligence and novel data collection methods. We work closely with a wide range of academic partners to help encourage and support research, and to engage future researchers. Through collaboration with the media we help these stories reach wider audiences, and through working with legal experts, we explore how those responsible for harm can be held accountable.

Taking the long view
The environmental impact of conflicts is not limited to wartime, and neither is our work. For example, everyday military activity is responsible for an estimated 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and so we coordinate a diverse network of campaigners and researchers working to understand and tackle this huge contribution to the climate crisis. Additionally, clearing the landmines and other explosive ordnance left by wars can have negative impacts on the environment. We work closely with the humanitarian mine action sector to help minimise these impacts, and to promote actions that build climate resilience and environmental restoration for affected communities.

Making change
Our research underpins our advocacy in international policy spaces. We work to highlight the environmental costs of conflicts in processes on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, whilst advocating for greater attention on the environment in those discussing humanitarian disarmament, peace and security. We amplify our impact through collaborative partnerships with local and international civil society organisations and with governments, and by catalysing new ideas, initiatives and relationships.

Visit our Website to find out more.
Charity number 1174115