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.

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160 Articles
People walk past the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Manhattan

Washington’s Multilateral Retreat Creates an Opening for State and Local Leaders

U.S. state and local leaders can fill voids left as the Trump administration cuts and even exits multilateral organizations.
In this aerial view, a forklift puts boxes of peaches on to a truck after they were harvested from the last crop off of the trees at a peach orchard on July 24, 2023 in Fort Valley, Georgia. Due to weather extremes earlier in the year, their peach season, which usually ends in August, concluded early. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

America’s Climate Diplomacy Challenge and the Path to Rebuilding Credibility

For international climate diplomacy to succeed, it cannot be tethered to partisan swings in Washington.
Binders of executive orders stacked on a desk.

Collection: Just Security’s 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.

Himalayan Water Disputes Awaken the Tensions and Promises of the UN Watercourses Convention

States should promote water security and minimize geopolitical risk by reading the UN Watercourses Convention as a baseline for all nations to follow.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) members arrive to issue first Advisory Opinion (AO) on States' legal obligations to address climate change, in The Hague on July 23, 2025. The top UN court on July 23, 2025 described climate change as an "urgent and existential threat", as it handed down a landmark ruling on the legal obligations of countries to prevent it. (Photo by JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Climate-Vulnerable States Vindicated in the Hague: A First Look at the International Court of Justice’s Climate Advisory Opinion

With this unanimous opinion, the ICJ has taken a clear stand in favor of a coherent and equitable international legal response to climate change.
Fog over Santiago, Chile (via Getty Images)

Inter-American Court of Human Rights Delivers Landmark Opinion on Climate Emergency

The advisory opinion provides a blueprint for policymakers and advocates seeking to drive forward climate action in the Americas.
The hand of a person in a suit peels back a stage curtain.

A Warm Welcome to Mark Nevitt as a Just Security Editorial Board Member!

We are thrilled to welcome distinguished scholar and Emory law professor Mark Nevitt, Commander, JAGC (ret.), as a new member of Just Security's Editorial Board.
A man walks past an infrastructure project underway for COP30 in Belem, Para state, Brazil

COP 30 Must Not Cop Out

Brazil, the Parties, and other stakeholders should ensure the issue of "nationally determined contribution" emission targets lie at the heart of COP 30.
A worker sorts recyclable plastic waste at a warehouse in Jalandhar on June 4, 2025, on the eve of World Environment Day. (Photo by SHAMMI MEHRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Getting to Yes on the Plastics Agreement: Time for More Plasticity?

A thorough survey of tools that can be used to bridge divides in negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution.
An image of an orange/yellow sun

Why a Global “Moratorium” on Solar Radiation Management Deployment Should Get a Chilly Reception

A bottom-up norm-setting approach would rectify the concerns of agreeing to a global moratorium on solar radiation management deployment.
Hand arranged wooden cube blocks with leaves. Climate-change related green icons. (Getty Images)

Don’t Succumb to Climate Fatalism

Climate policy is taking a hit, but succumbing to this backsliding is not the answer. Instead, there are real security, economic, and political benefits to hitting back.
Tank and soldiers shown on Mexico border

The New “National Defense Area” at the Southern Border: What You Need to Know

NSPM-4 creates a military area that is twice the size of Washington, D.C. and expands the military’s role in stopping cross-border migration.
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