Environmental PeaceTech: Exploring Innovation in Climate-Conflict Settings

Environmental peacebuilding recognises the links between environmental challenges, climate stress, and conflict — and seeks to use cooperation over natural resources, ecological restoration, and climate resilience as entry points for building trust and sustaining peace.

PeaceTech, meanwhile, refers to the use of digital tools and technologies in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and crisis response. From satellite imaging and early warning systems to participatory mapping and dialogue platforms, PeaceTech has been applied in many fragile contexts. While these approaches can improve decision-making and support cooperation, they also raise critical questions around equity, access, and unintended consequences.

This interactive workshop will explore how digital technologies might support environmental peacebuilding and ask a key question: do we need a distinct technological lens of Environmental PeaceTech? Participants will:

• Outline what Environmental Peacebuilding is
• Examine how technology is being used in the climate crisis
• Discuss how digital tools could aid (or complicate) environmental peacebuilding
• Join a participatory activity on the possible application of Environmental PeaceTech by Austrian and EU actors (working in environmental and climate sectors, NGOs, social impact initiatives, and startups)

By the end of the workshop, you will gain insights into the intersection of technology, climate, and environmental peacebuilding, with practical ideas you could apply in your own work. Together, we will also explore opportunities for future collaboration among participants.

This workshop is open to everyone, regardless of expertise, and welcomes participants of all levels, including:

• Professionals working on climate and environmental issues
• Peacebuilders
• Tech enthusiasts
• Social innovators
• Activists
• NGO workers
• Anyone interested in climate change or technology

This event is brought to you by the Austrian Centre for Peace (ACP), the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), and the PeaceTech Alliance.

Background reading:
Nathan Coyle & Sophia Stanger, Environmental PeaceTech: Framing a Space for Cautious Innovation in Climate-Conflict Settings (Austrian Centre for Peace & PeaceTech Alliance, 2025). Read the full paper here.

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