Climate security

Local residents place sand bags to prepare a wall to protect the population from flood waters in Mehar area after heavy monsoon rains in Dadu district, Sindh province on September 7, 2022. Above the makeshift dike is an exapnse of water as far as the eye can see, with inundated buildings in the background on the left. Record monsoon rains have caused devastating floods across Pakistan since June, killing more than 1,200 people and leaving almost a third of the country under water, affecting the lives of 33 million. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP via Getty Images)

Long-Term International Climate Assistance to Pakistan is a Hard Sell, but Necessary. Here’s Why.

In addition to the human toll in one of the world’s most vulnerable States, climate change also poses a stability threat.

Sep. 9, 2022 Michael Kugelman

Tanker ship with "Rudolf Samoylovich" printed on blue hull. Smoke stack with flaring gas above.

Climate Security, Energy Security, and the Russia-Ukraine War

Shifting away from fossil fuels from Russia and other petrostrates "offers a rare geopolitical 'win-win'" on climate and energy security.

May 11, 2022 Mark Nevitt

A map of the Artic showing the extent of sea ice in 2020, 2000, and 1980. Lines are also provided for two sea routes: the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route. The map shows a significant reduction in sea ice between 2000 and 2020.

Getting Climate Intelligence Right

Shortcomings of the recent National Intelligence Report underscore the challenges of addressing security implications of climate change.

Nov. 3, 2021 Rod Schoonover and Erin Sikorsky

Trees in a forest smolder and burn during the Dixie fire near Greenville, California on August 3, 2021. The sky is a hazy orange.

Climate Change is a Human Rights Issue – Particularly in US-China Relations

Recognizing the interplay between human rights and climate policy is necessary for either policy area to be coherent, particularly between the US and China.

Aug. 11, 2021 Tim Hirschel-Burns

Sea Ice as seen from above off the northwest coast of Greenland.

NATO’s Renewed Focus on Climate Change & Security: What You Need to Know

NATO’s Brussels Communiqué and Climate Action Plan represent welcome, forward-looking steps on climate change, but questions remain.

Jun. 23, 2021 Mark Nevitt

Residents look out onto the bay waters in Sitio Pariahan, Bulacan on January 11, 2019. The houses around them are damaged from flooding.

Want to Compete with China? Deliver on Climate Security for the Indo-Pacific

To reestablish itself as the partner of first resort in the Indo-Pacific, the United States should use its logistical, technological, and scientific skills to help countries prepare…

May 21, 2021 Caroline Baxter and Erin Sikorsky

People walk down a flooded street as they evacuate their homes after the area was inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey on August 28, 2017 in Houston, Texas. A number of people use rowboats and small motorized boats as well. The flooding appears to be up to people’s waists in some areas of the street and to their knees in the more shallow areas.

Is Climate Change a National Emergency?

Declaring a national climate emergency would convey a powerful signal from the White House about the urgency of the climate crisis —while also activating several legal authorities…

Feb. 25, 2021 Mark Nevitt

People walk along the streets near the remains of burned homes after Hurricane Sandy on October 31, 2012 in the Breezy Point neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Nearly all the homes in the photo covering three of four blocks have been destroyed, and all that can been seen is the building foundations and debris.

As Biden Seeks Answers on Climate’s Impact on Migration, Sydney Declaration Provides Legal Ground Rules for Action

As the United States embarks on its own analysis of displacement and migration in the context of climate change, the Sydney Declaration provides the legal ground rules for action.

Feb. 19, 2021 Jane McAdam

Tents line up the semi-arid plains outside the official boundaries of Dadaab, which is considered to be the worlds biggest refugee camp in the world, on July 4, 2011.

Climate Change is a Threat the Next Generation Cannot Face Alone

It is hard to be optimistic about the future of security with the crises pummeling the world today. As members of the rising generation in national security policy, we recognize…

Feb. 17, 2021 Kate Guy and Annalise Blum

A military police officer walks near a destroyed gate in Tyndall Air Force Base, in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael on October 12, 2018. Rubble from the gate covers the floor. The two guard booths on either side of the former gate appear damaged, but are still standing.

Climate Change, National Security, & the New Commander-in-Chief

What are the president’s authorities as commander-in-chief to “combat” the national security threats posed by the climate crisis?

Dec. 2, 2020 Mark Nevitt

A sign warning people about Covid-19 is surrounded by flames and smoke during the Hennessey fire near Lake Berryessa in Napa, California on August 18, 2020.

An Age of Actorless Threats: Rethinking National Security in Light of COVID and Climate

Climate change and the COVID pandemic are highlighting key weaknesses in U.S. national security strategy and policy.

Oct. 23, 2020 Morgan Bazilian and Cullen Hendrix

People gather on the airport runway in Funafuti, Tuvalu runway on November 25, 2019. Their reflections and the sky can be seen in the standing water nearby.

An Australian Model to Address Climate-Related Displacement: How to Flatten the Curve

Disasters don’t just destroy homes, businesses, and livelihoods. They can create significant economic and social disruption, which affects long-term prosperity, stability, and…

Oct. 22, 2020 Jane McAdam and Jonathan Pryke