How national security and global stability being impacted by global climate change ?

Climate Fact Checks not only disproved false information on climate change but also found that the general public is ignorant of the issue. On November 28th of this year, we conducted our monthly webinar to foster discussion between members of the interested public and Colonal Nalin Herath, who holds the position of the Director of Media at the Ministry of Defense and serving as the Overlooking Director General at the Institute of National Security Studies, on the topic of How national security and global stability being impacted by global climate change.  

In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on national security and global stability, exploring the interconnected environmental, economic, and geopolitical consequences that necessitate collaborative and proactive strategies.

Introduction

In recent years, the profound linkages between climate change and security have come into sharp focus, demanding urgent attention and integrated approaches. As the impacts of climate change accelerate, they exacerbate existing social, economic, and environmental challenges globally, contributing to insecurity at various levels, from local communities to the international arena.

National Security: From Narrow to Broad Meaning

National security, traditionally defined as the protection of the state, has evolved beyond territorial integrity to encompass a broad sense. It now includes the security of the entire nation, involving the safeguarding of people, public health, governance structures, physical components, environment, natural resources, infrastructure, and even cyberspace.

Global Climate Change: A Threat Multiplier

Global climate change, driven primarily by human activities, refers to the long-term modifications in weather patterns. Unlike in the past, national security is no longer restricted to territorial integrity; it now includes a spectrum of soft threats such as water security, energy security, food security, environmental security, economic security, and political security.

Security Concerns Linked to Climate Change

The multifaceted security concerns stemming from climate change, including impacts on food, water, and energy supplies, increased competition over natural resources, loss of livelihoods, climate-related disasters, and forced migration.

The vulnerability of conflict and crisis-affected contexts to the compounding effects of climate change. Despite this susceptibility, peacebuilding and stabilization efforts often overlook climate-related impacts, creating a critical gap in holistic risk management.

UNEP’s early initiatives started with the analysis of climate change and security risks in the Sahel Region. Emphasis on the interconnectedness of extreme climatic conditions, vulnerable populations, and security risks.

“Competition between communities and countries for scarce resources, especially water, is increasing, exacerbating old security dilemmas and creating new ones, while environmental refugees are reshaping the human geography of the planet, a trend that will only increase as deserts advance, forests are felled and sea levels rise.” By formulating such a strong statement during the July 2011 debate on climate change and security in the UN Security Council underscored the urgent need to assess the implications of climate change for conflicts and environmentally induced migration. 

A mission undertaken to the Sahel in June 2008 by Jan Egeland, then Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, highlighted three main risks including (i) the threat posed by the potential impacts of climate change for livelihoods, in particular for livelihoods that are dependent on natural resources, such as farming, fishing, and herding; (ii) increasing migration pressures due to disasters, conflicts and the associated loss of livelihoods; and (iii) escalating tension and potential conflicts over increasingly scarce natural resources, coupled with the availability of small arms and light weapons. 

This shows the intricate relationship between global climate change, national security, and global stability is undeniable, transcending traditional boundaries and demanding immediate attention. 

Destabilization

Impacts like food and water shortages, mass migrations, and regional conflicts can destabilize nations and regions, leading to heightened security risks. The Syrian civil war, linked to a severe drought from 2006 to 2011, exemplifies how environmental factors can contribute to social unrest and conflict.

This causes military Vulnerabilities due to changing climate patterns that pose threats to military infrastructure, bases, and operations. The case of Norfolk Naval Station in the United States, facing rising sea levels, underscores the environmental threats to military readiness.

Global Stability 

Global stability, defined as a worldwide state of equilibrium across politics, economics, environment, and society, faces disruption due to climate change. The melting Arctic ice, migration pressures, economic impacts, and geopolitical shifts are all interconnected challenges that jeopardize peaceful coexistence, prosperity, and sustainability globally.

Urgency of Action

Despite the undeniable interconnectedness of climate change, national security, and global stability, a concerning gap exists between awareness and action. The extraterritorial nature of climate change demands urgent attention and concerted efforts. The effects on health, ranging from illnesses linked to temperature to the proliferation of disease-carrying agents, emphasize the urgency of mitigating climate change’s impact on healthcare.

Strategic responses, such as the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Program, represent significant diplomatic efforts to collectively address climate change. Geopolitical shifts, resource scarcity, and migration pressures underscore the need for nations to integrate climate considerations into their strategic responses.

In addition, mitigating the impact of climate change on military effectiveness involves adapting equipment capabilities for operations in warming and variable climates. Decarbonizing military equipment and reducing military emissions contribute to national sustainability targets, aligning with the global imperative for climate action.

Conclusion

As the United Nations intensifies its global action to address climate-security challenges, UNEP’s pioneering efforts provide valuable insights, tools, and concrete examples. The nexus between global climate change, national security, and global stability requires a comprehensive and collaborative response. Addressing climate change is not just an environmental concern; it is a strategic necessity for a secure and stable future. As nations grapple with the intertwined challenges of climate change, proactive strategies, informed policies and international cooperation become imperative for a sustainable and secure future for all. In the fight against climate change, there’s no room for spectators – we are all players on this critical stage, and our collective actions determine the outcome.

If you have any queries or come across suspicious content related to climate change or the environment and want us to verify them for you, then send them to us on our WhatsApp hotline: +917045366366

With inputs from Nuwandhara Mudalige