Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Amid the war in the Gulf, in Gaza, Syria's transition, and now Yemen, events in Iraq have struggled to gain much traction in a troubled region. But 'sleeping' on Iraq has seldom ended well for its citizens or for others. Away from the headlines, the country continues to wrestle with severe water 1/ 100
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Water weaponization is all the rage these days. But while bombed desal plants might capture the headlines, it's the withholding & deployment of water data to sometimes-hostile ends that may be more likely to fuel geopolitically significant tension. I write: www.newsecuritybeat.org/2026/09/a-ne...newsecuritybeat.orgA New Frontier in the Weaponization of WaterAs the full horror of August’s disastrous floods in Nepal became apparent, the social media inquest began. Many armchair commentators were quick to blame China, accusing it of withholding [...] 000
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 11/09/2026I wrote up a few thoughts about how climate shocks and stresses are rendering ecologically and politically vulnerable states, like Nepal, all but ungovernable. 021
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinRichard Delevan @richard.wickedproblems.earth · 30/06/2026A hotter world is a more violent world - from the home to the neighbourhood to the borders. @schwartzstein.bsky.social wrote one of the definitive accounts: footnotepress.com/books/the-he...footnotepress.comThe Heat and the Fury‘A landmark work on perhaps the essential question of our time’ – David Wallace-Wells, author of The Uninhabitable Earth In this ground-breaking book, environmental journalist, Pe… 052
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinPrinceton University Press @princetonupress.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Peter Schwartzstein's The Heat and the Fury is now out in #paperback from @islandpress.bsky.social. In this book, he not only puts readers on the frontlines of climate violence but gives us the context to make sense of seemingly senseless acts. Learn more: press.princeton.edu/books/paperb... 177
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 18/06/2026Excited to send this back out into the world in paperback form. For unfortunate reasons, it remains as current as ever 043
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 07/06/2026I'm very excited to see the paperback out next week. Read for a sense of what climate's contribution to violence looks like through the stories of those affected on the ground--farmers, soldiers, pirates (!) etc. It's a relationship that has, regrettably, only strengthened since 2024. 1158
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinIsland Press @islandpress.bsky.social · 11/05/2026We are thrilled to see two Island Press titles listed as Honorable Mentions for @sejorg.bsky.social's Rachel Carson Environment Book Award! Congratulations to @jmingle.bsky.social, author of Gaslight, and @schwartzstein.bsky.social, author of The Heat and the Fury! Learn more: hubs.ly/Q04f_zqq0 062
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinConflict and Environment Observatory @ceobs.org · 19/01/2026The Al-Sunut Forest Reserve in #Khartoum #Sudan largely survived the war but social media footage suggests deforestation following the recapture of the city. Wartime deforestation rates are very high across Sudan as people seek fuelwood and charcoal. 1/2 #EyesOnSudan 123
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 29/10/2025Climate-related insecurity is coming for Europe, too. In the first exploration of the continent's vulnerability to troubles of this nature, we found that climate stresses are already fueling everything from rural crime to heightened water tensions at almost every level. peace.fes.de/e/a-distant-...peace.fes.deA Distant Problem No LongerHow climate change is fuelling crime and fraying trust across Europe 041
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 09/10/2025Londoners, come join us on Monday (13th) for what we promise will be a fascinating, timely, and not necessarily-as-bleak-as-it-sounds discussion! www.kcl.ac.uk/events/the-h...kcl.ac.ukBook talk—The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence | King's College LondonJoin us for an engaging discussion of the book The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence. 010
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 04/09/2025Climate change is fueling security challenges across the board. I wrote about one of the 'newer' and lesser explored but by no means minor inter-state risks. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/02/o...nytimes.comOpinion | When Climate Change Blurs Borders 010
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 26/07/2025A fast spreading wildfire along Athens’ northern edge. One of dozens springing up across Greece today. Bone dry landscape meets intense heatwave and strong winds etc 033
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinAndy Scollick @andyscollick.bsky.social · 24/04/2025Destabilization From ‘Within’: A “Termite Theory” of Climate’s Pathway to Violence | Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social #Climate #ClimateChange #Security #Conflict #Defence #Governance councilonstrategicrisks.org/2025/04/23/d...councilonstrategicrisks.orgDestabilization From ‘Within’: A “Termite Theory” of Climate’s Pathway to Violence - The Council on Strategic RisksClimate change isn’t just an external driver of violence, in many cases, it quietly erodes the structures that help prevent it from within, like a termite. 185
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinEmily Turner @emilyturner2000.bsky.social · 01/04/2025A wonderful review for @schwartzstein.bsky.social “The Heat and the Fury is an extraordinary work that advances the scholarship on climate security in a text that is as accessible to newcomers as it is enriching for academic specialists.” www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....tandfonline.comEnvironment and ResourcesThe Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate ViolencePeter Schwartzstein. Washington DC: Island Press, 2024. $32.00. 328 pp.Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming WorldR. Jisung Park. Prin... 062
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinEmily Turner @emilyturner2000.bsky.social · 12/03/2025Tom Henry @sejorg.bsky.social calls The Heat and Fury by @schwartzstein.bsky.social "bold, ambitious, incredibly researched and deftly written." www.sej.org/publications...sej.orgWith Climate, an Undercurrent of ViolenceIn his ambitious first book, “The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence,” journalist Peter Schwartzstein explores how climate change explains conflict, even war. BookShelf editor To... 023
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 01/03/2025Media freedom is crumbling even faster in the Caucasus than in many other parts of the world. A donation to OC Media, a superb regional outlet, can help slow the rot oc-media.org/oc-media-fac...oc-media.orgOC Media faces closure after Trump–Musk aid cuts hit $250,000 in fundingThe cuts to NED followed the Trump administration’s dismantling of USAID, which also impacted OC Media. 031
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinJosh Busby @busbyj2.bsky.social · 20/02/2025Austinites, we are hosting a terrific event next week with journalist @schwartzstein.bsky.social on his terrific book on climate and security. Wednesday, Feb. 26th at 5:15pm. With generous support from @strausscenter.bsky.social www.strausscenter.org/events/the-h...strausscenter.orgThe Heat and the Fury: On the Front Lines of Climate Violence with Peter Schwartzstein - The Strauss CenterOn Wednesday, February 26, the Strauss Center for International Security and Law and LBJ School of Public Affairs will host a discussion with environmental journalist and researcher Peter Schwartzstei... 064
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinSustainable Carolina @sustainable-unc.bsky.social · 17/02/2025This Thursday! Don't miss @schwartzstein.bsky.social at the FedEx Global Education Center. He'll be discussing his book, which looks at how climate change contributes to violence around the world.buff.ly'The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence' with Peter Schwartzstein - UNC Global AffairsJoin UNC Global Affairs and the Royster Society of Fellows for a Diplomatic Discussion with Peter Schwartzstein, environmental journalist and author of the book, The Heat and the Fury: On the… 041
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 11/02/2025As warming intensifies and as fears of wobbly food markets escalate in this messy political moment, more countries are seeking to carve out food production elsewhere. The latest example: Water insecure Algeria. grain.org/e/7229grain.orgThe mirage of food security: Big farming in North Africa's desertsBig farming projects in North Africa’s deserts are presented as a response to food insecurity. But aquifers will be depleted and costs will be high. While small farmers are pushed out, there's no guar... 010
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 29/01/2025Alongside a very kind review of my book by the legendary Robin Hanbury-Tenison, Geographical, the Royal Geographical Society's magazine, asked me to recommend a bunch of reads of my own. Here! geographical.co.uk/culture/writ...geographical.co.ukWriter's reads: Peter SchwartzsteinPeter Shwartzstein recommends his favourite books in our latest Writer's Reads. His latest book, The Heat and the Fury, is out now 011
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 27/01/2025A bitter illustration of the difficulties of the Green Transition in Greece's now-jobless coal country. The money and (makings of a) plan can be there. State capacity may not be. www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1259...ekathimerini.comLignite transition plan for Western Macedonia, Arcadia stalled | eKathimerini.comThe so-called Fair Growth Transition Program has run up against the usual weaknesses of the Greek state. 020
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinPeter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 11/12/2024Keen on a 4 minute spin through the who, where, why, how of climate-related violence? And all replete with a foreboding soundtrack & a shirt that could likely have used a pre-shoot wash? I've got just the thing for you with my just-published TED talk! www.ted.com/talks/peter_...ted.comWhy violence is rising with global temperaturesClimate change doesn't just melt ice caps, it also fuels conflict, corruption and division worldwide, explains TED Fellow and journalist Peter Schwartzstein. From droughts in Syria to rising seas in B... 2146
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 31/12/2024EPIC is very close to reaching its year-end financial goal. We'd be very grateful for those final bits of pre-NYE giving! 011
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 11/12/2024Keen on a 4 minute spin through the who, where, why, how of climate-related violence? And all replete with a foreboding soundtrack & a shirt that could likely have used a pre-shoot wash? I've got just the thing for you with my just-published TED talk! www.ted.com/talks/peter_...ted.comWhy violence is rising with global temperaturesClimate change doesn't just melt ice caps, it also fuels conflict, corruption and division worldwide, explains TED Fellow and journalist Peter Schwartzstein. From droughts in Syria to rising seas in B... 2146
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 10/12/2024Though few Syrians will deem it an immediate priority (for obvious reasons), the *possible* end of fighting offers a vital opportunity to begin addressing yrs of brutal enviro & climate destruction. The landscape, which was already degraded by unsustainable pre-war ag policies, is in tatters 1/ 170
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinBrett Walton @waltonbrett.bsky.social · 04/12/2024How are water, climate, and violence connected? I spoke with journalist @schwartzstein.bsky.social about The Heat and the Fury, his new book on the topic. It's nuanced reporting on a complex and growing problem. Worth 20 mins of your day! www.circleofblue.org/2024/world/o...circleofblue.orgOn the Frontlines of Climate Violence: A Conversation with Author Peter SchwartzsteinClimate shocks can lead to violent disruptions. 0104
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 04/12/2024I recently joined the board of EPIC (Enabling Peace in Iraq Center), an excellent small non-profit that is trying to expand its anti-gas flaring campaigns in southern Iraq. If you feel able to contribute to the organization's fundraising, we'd be very grateful! www.gofundme.com/f/empower-ir...gofundme.comDonate to Double Your Impact: Empower Iraq's Environmental Movement, organized by Erik GustafsonEPIC (Enabling Peace in Iraq Center) has been challenged by a… Erik Gustafson needs your support for Double Your Impact: Empower Iraq's Environmental Movement 020
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 21/11/2024For those of you in the US & Canada, my book (and all other @islandpress.bsky.social publications) is available at 50% off for the next 3 days. Come one, come all etc! islandpress.org/books/heat-a...islandpress.orgThe Heat and the Fury 040
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinInkstick Media @inkstickmedia.com · 21/11/2024In his new book, The Heat and the Fury, @schwartzstein.bsky.social takes readers to the frontlines of a world wracked by climate catastrophes — and the violence they breed. Review by @wrodgers2.bsky.social buff.lyStaring Climate Violence in the Face as the World BurnsIn his new book, journalist Peter Schwartzstein takes readers to the frontlines of a world wracked by climate catastrophes and violence. 033
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinHanne L Knaepen @hannelknaepen.bsky.social · 19/11/2024Next week, on 26 November, we are thrilled to welcome @schwartzstein.bsky.social in our @ecdpm.bsky.social office for the launch of "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐲", diving into often overlooked connections between climate change and conflict. Register here 👉🏼 bit.ly/3ANO7IS. 142
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 15/11/2024Today is 'peace day' at COP, a fitting if slightly contrived hook for me to launch into Blue Sky in earnest! Six weeks ago, my book, 'The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence,' was published. It's the product of ~10 years of reporting, all with a view to spelling out the (1) 130
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 14/10/2023A Reminder from Israel and Gaza on the Importance and Limitations of Environmental Peacebuilding www.newsecuritybeat.org/2023/10/remi...newsecuritybeat.orgA Reminder from Israel and Gaza on the Importance and Limitations of Environmental PeacebuildingI flew into Tel Aviv last Friday afternoon, primed for a week of meetings with Israeli and Palestinian environmentalists and officials. By sounding out these men and women in Jerusalem, the West [...] 043
Peter Schwartzstein @schwartzstein.bsky.social · 07/10/2023It's been an awful awful day here in Jerusalem. The tales filtering in of atrocities in southern Israel are horrific. The coming days in Gaza and elsewhere promise to be as bad or worse. 051
Reposted by Peter SchwartzsteinGeoff Dabelko @geoffdabelko.bsky.social · 05/10/2023Insight on new journal Environment & Security in editors interview on @newsecuritybeat.bsky.social. Consider it as an outlet for environmental peacebuilding, climate security, environmental security, and natural resources and conflict work. I would say that even if I wasn't on the editorial board...newsecuritybeat.orgNew Journal | Q&A with Environment and Security’s Editorial TeamEnvironment and Security is a new journal published by the Environmental Peacebuilding Association and SAGE Publishing. The journal represents the evolution of a field of study that began in [...] 022