Trapped in Climate Fragility: Sustainability Transformations Across the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus in Protracted Humanitarian Crises

Hakemuksen tiivistelmä

This postdoctoral project examines how climate change can be systematically integrated into the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus to mitigate the “climate fragility trap” and safeguard planetary boundaries in protracted crises. Using the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh as a case study, the research explores how climate-induced vulnerabilities – such as land degradation, resource scarcity, and micro-level social conflicts – intersect with humanitarian and development challenges to perpetuate state fragility. Building on HDP nexus in the Rohingya response, the project aims to develop the emerging concept of a “climate-HDP nexus,” combining sustainability transformations and planetary boundaries frameworks to envision climate-sensitive pathways for resilience and environmental peacebuilding. Three objectives guide the study: (i) identify key climate-induced vulnerabilities that affect HDP nexus components in Cox’s Bazar, (ii) elaborate pathways for sustainability transformations in humanitarian governance, and (iii) explore how localised HDP approaches can align with safeguarding planetary boundaries. The research adopts a qualitative case study design with meta-ethnographic synthesis, combining desk reviews, fieldwork in Cox’s Bazar, and participatory methods with refugees, host communities, non-governmental organisations, and government stakeholders. Expected outcomes include four peer-reviewed articles, two book chapters, two academic–artistic periodicals, and a policy brief co-authored with Bangladeshi NGOs . By bridging development studies, humanitarian studies, and sustainability science, the project advances academic debates while providing actionable strategies for practitioners and donors. It also contributes to Finland’s development cooperation priorities by strengthening climate-sensitive humanitarian responses, promoting ecological resilience in the HDP nexus, and advancing sustainability transformations in protracted refugee settings.