Adapting Mediation Practice for Climate Change-Related Conflicts: Challenges, Opportunities and Dilemmas

Our research aims to contribute to the emerging body of literature on the role that mediation can play in addressing climate change-related conflicts and how mediators position themselves and adapt their practices in relation to this. Studying the experience of the mediators as principal actors in the mediation field seems particularly relevant. Therefore, based on 16 semi-structured interviews with practitioners, the article examines the benefits climate change can bring to the mediation practice, as well as the challenges and dilemmas that can arise. The findings highlight that mediators face complexities arising from the interdisciplinary nature of the issue and the involvement of diverse stakeholders. Mediators effectively bridge communication gaps, prioritize inclusivity, and integrate scientific knowledge to facilitate understanding
and cooperation among parties. The research also highlighted the perceived opportunities climate change presents for the practice of mediation, which includes the potential for collective problem-solving and more inclusivity in decision-making. Furthermore, the research identifies two main dilemmas mediators face in climate change-related mediation: neutrality and agenda setting, and balancing short-term and long-term interests. Mediators strive to remain neutral while considering the sustainability implications of agreements and avoid imposing specific agendas. Moreover, balancing the interests and urgency of action with the longterm consequences of climate change also poses an important dilemma. The research revealed that tools and techniques are emerging to address these dilemmas and challenges and to strengthen the opportunities. Mediators are also building on their knowledge to adapt to the new complexity of the situations. Doing this while embracing the uniqueness of each situation allows the emergence of these new tools and techniques to better adapt to the new components brought by climate change to the mediation process.