The strategy of the German Defence Ministry to prepare for climate change
Extreme temperatures, melting ice, natural catastrophes: the consequences of climate change are wide and have an impact on security and defence as well. To guarantee the operational readiness of the army even in changed climate conditions, the German Defence Ministry has published its "Defence and Climate Change" strategy.
We must invest in them now to prevent conflict
Peace makes for poor headlines, but serves as a testament to the hard work of River Basin Organizations. Around the world these organizations have helped to avoid water and other conflicts escalating. This is some of the best news on this world water day that does not feature in any newspapers, and is a reflection of the dedication of riparian countries to cooperation and dialogue.
Climate Risk Management Guide for Chiefs of Defence Staff
Climate change manifests through various hazards, from severe climate and weather events like floods, storms, droughts or wildfires, to gradual shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, ice melting and sea level rise.
The key takeaways from the European Commission's communication on managing climate risks
Climate resilience is a matter of maintaining societal functions, but also of competitiveness for economies and companies, and thus jobs. Managing climate risks is a necessary condition for improving living standards, fighting inequality and protecting people. It is a matter of economic survival for rural and coastal areas, farmers, foresters and fishers.
The key takeaways from the first European Climate Risk Assessment Report by the European Environment Agency
On the 11th of March 2024 the European Environment Agency published its first Climate Risk Assessment Report, describing in detail the current and future impacts of the climate crisis on the European continent. Rising temperatures, floods, draughts, wildfires, destruction of ecosystems and their biodiversity, health hazards and social catastrophes.
The sixth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) has adopted a consensus resolution that aims to reinvigorate UNEP’s work on the environmental dimensions of armed conflicts to make it more responsive to global environmental challenges. The resolution, which was proposed by Ukraine, and which was greatly informed by its recent experience, also urged states to abide by the legal framework, and drew attention to its most recent addition – the Principles on the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflicts (PERAC Principles).
Insights from the Horn of Africa
Climate change has become widely recognised as a security concern and a key priority area in European and broader Western initiatives for global peace and security, with a significant focus on Africa. It is commonly perceived as a ‘threat multiplier’, posing risks to stability by catalysing migration, contributing to resource conflicts and bolstering recruitment for non-state armed actors.
From the 21st – 23rd of February the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Foreign Ministry of India will host the 2024 edition of the Raisina Dialogue. The Raisina Dialogue is the foremost conference in India for discussing topics related to geopolitics, economics, security and climate change. One of the 6 pillars this year is titled “Peace with the Planet”, highlighting both the damage that pollution and the global economy exert on the environment, but also how we in turn are dependent upon it for our own wellbeing.
"The environmental consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine are arguably better documented than any conflict in history."
On the 13th of February 2024, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened under the initiative of Guyana to debate the interconnection between the global issue of climate change, the rising number of armed conflicts, and the worrying growth of food insecurity on the planet. The threat of food availability is of particular concern as its consequences are multifaceted and wide reaching for millions across the globe.
