Climate Change
Just Security’s expert authors offer in-depth analysis of the legal, security, diplomatic, and human rights dimensions of climate change. Articles span topics related to international agreements, climate-related displacement, the national security risks of climate change, and climate litigation in international, regional, and domestic courts and tribunals.
Highlights:
Just Security’s Climate Archive
A catalog of articles analyzing the diplomatic, political, legal, security, and humanitarian consequences of the international climate crisis.
After Colombia’s Presidential Election, What Next on Climate and Human Rights?
Although too early to tell whether campaign promises will translate into policy, de la Espriella’s platform on climate and human rights marks a departure from the Petro administration.
W(h)ither Climate “Multilateralism”?
A former lead climate lawyer for the U.S. State Department offers her perspective on the future of multilateral initiatives to combat climate change.
Going Dark: Why Dismantling America’s Ocean Sensors Is a Security Risk
Shutting off ocean observation will reduce the United States' ability to see and respond to developments in fast-changing seas.
Combatting AI Coercion and the Unexpected Climate Dividend
Globally, AI infrastructure is consolidating faster than governments are moving. Governments need to build resilience through diplomatic initiatives and AI partnerships.
Protecting Environmental Rights Defenders Is Key to Giving Communities a Voice
Environmental human rights defenders must be empowered to design and implement their own forms of collective protection to shift the power imbalance.
173 Articles
Collection: Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
Nuclear-Powered AI: The Risks of De-Regulation
The Trump administration's fast-tracking of AI development & nuclear deployment is redefining the relationship between innovation, public risk, and accountability.
Energy Security is National Security: Fixing America’s Incoherent Energy Policies
In a world where conflict abroad reverberates rapidly through global energy systems, “energy dominance” cannot be defined narrowly as maximizing fossil fuel output.
AI is the New Plastics. Can We Govern it Better?
Like plastic, AI is permeating every corner of life. But there is still time to manage AI better than we did with synthetics.
Legal and Practical Implications of the U.S. Withdrawal from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change
The U.S. withdrawal from the UNFCCC is a further blow to climate cooperation and a demonstration of U.S. foreign policy volatility.
The United States in Retreat
Whatever the modest cost-savings that are generated by this U.S. withdrawal from the multilateral system, the loss of long-term influence will be far greater.
Nine Stories That Deserved More Attention in 2025 – and Might Shape 2026
What stories or topics merited more attention in 2025, and which might inform law and policy conversations in 2026?
COP 30 in Belem: The COP of Surprises
The U.S. State Department's former lead climate lawyer analyzes the many surprising and unusual aspects of COP 30 negotiations in Belem.
As Solar Geoengineering Enters its Startup Phase, Governments Must Address Emerging Security Risks
Without regulation, the dangers of solar radiation modification will become magnified and the security risks more unchecked.
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The Brewing Egypt-Ethiopia Nile River Conflict is Ripe for “Solving”
An agreement to resolve the dam conflict has long been drafted. Trump could be the "closer" engaging Presidents Abiy and el-Sisi for a deal.
Attacks on Nature, Atrocities Against People: The Case for Environmental Harm as a 12th Crime Against Humanity
Addressing the global environmental crisis requires urgent action, and this new treaty offers States an unprecedented opportunity to confront it directly and decisively.