Conflict and climate change feed off one another in Somalia, creating unimaginable crises — the worst drought in decades has left the country teetering on the edge of famine. Natural disasters — like drought and flooding — are more frequent and intense than the past.
But the odds are against the country as it works to respond and prepare for disasters. The nation is fighting insurgent terrorist group al-Shabab, making huge swaths of the country impenetrable to government and aid actors. Government capacity is limited and fractured. And resource depletion from erratic weather fuels more conflict, further weakening a government already on wobbly grounds.
While Somalia desperately needs significant climate financing to build systems that support communities to better withstand weather extremes, it's also one of the most ill-prepared to receive funds because of the bureaucracy built into climate financing mechanisms.