14/04/2026
ADAMS SWADE BUARI JABRI
Nominee, Climate Change Advocate of the Year 2026
I stand at a critical point in history where the defining challenges of our time are no longer isolated. Climate change and armed conflict are no longer separate conversations. They are deeply connected forces shaping the future of our planet. As a climate change advocacy artist, my work sits at this intersection, translating the realities of environmental destruction and human conflict into a language the world cannot ignore.
Today, multiple wars continue to unfold across the globe, each carrying not only human consequences but environmental ones. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has left vast landscapes scarred, with forests destroyed and agricultural systems disrupted. The crisis between Israel and Palestine has intensified pressure on already fragile ecosystems. In Sudan, war has displaced millions, forcing unsustainable use of nearby natural resources. Myanmar continues to experience internal conflict, leading to illegal logging and environmental exploitation. Across the Sahel region, including Mali and Burkina Faso, instability is accelerating desertification and ecological decline.
These conflicts are not just geopolitical struggles. They are climate events.
War is one of the most overlooked drivers of environmental damage. Military operations consume enormous amounts of fossil fuels. Fighter jets, tanks, naval fleets, and supply chains all release significant greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, these emissions are rarely accounted for in global climate frameworks. This creates a dangerous blind spot in our collective efforts to address climate change.
Beyond emissions, war destroys the very systems that help regulate our climate. Forests are burned or cleared, removing critical carbon sinks. Water sources are polluted by oil spills, chemicals, and debris from bombings. Agricultural lands become unusable due to landmines and contamination. In Ukraine, fertile farmlands have been abandoned. In Sudan, displaced communities are forced to rely heavily on firewood, increasing deforestation. When ecosystems collapse, their ability to absorb carbon and sustain life disapp...