Essential Concepts of Environmental Peacebuilding: An A to Z Guide

Publisher: Routledge

Author(s): Carl Bruch, Richard Matthew, Larry Swatuk, Rachel Weaver, and Erika Weinthal (eds.)

Date: 2026

Essential Concepts of Environmental Peacebuilding: An A to Z Guide (Routledge 2026) is a first-of-its-kind reference work that consolidates and clarifies the diverse and rapidly evolving vocabulary of environmental peacebuilding. As such, it provides a glossary of terms critical to the evolution and ongoing development of environmental peacebuilding -- across disciplines, sectors, and geographies. Edited by Carl Bruch, Richard Matthew, Larry Swatuk, Rachel Weaver, and Erika Weinthal, brings together contributions from more than 200 scholars and practitioners worldwide. With support from the Jubitz Family Foundation and the PeaceNexus Foundation, the book will be published as open access, ensuring that it is freely available to readers everywhere.

With over 180 entries, the glossary covers a wide spectrum of concepts central to environmental peacebuilding. It spans foundational ideas such as sustainable peace and conflict prevention alongside emerging themes including climate security, gender, and decolonization. Each entry provides a clear definition and, where relevant, traces the concept’s evolution, explores its significance in environmental peacebuilding, and directs readers to key references for further study. In addition to concepts and terms, the glossary also profiles major institutions active in the field, highlighting their roles and contributions to environmental peacebuilding.

To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the glossary also provides translations of all terms into ten languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Yoruba. This multilingual approach reflects the global nature of the field and supports scholars, practitioners, and policymakers working across diverse linguistic and regional contexts.

As a collective effort, the glossary represents more than a compilation of terms— it is a shared resource that advances mutual understanding, dialogue, and collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders. By helping to build a common language, the glossary strengthens the foundation for research, policy, and practice in environmental peacebuilding, and will serve as a touchstone for years to come.

Publication is anticipated in the first half of 2026.