Climate security refers to the ability of communities, regions, or the world to protect themselves from current and future adverse impacts of climate change and to adapt to these changes with minimal harmful consequences for society, the economy, and the environment. This security encompasses a range of measures, including reducing vulnerability, building resilience to extreme weather events, adapting infrastructure, and promoting sustainable practices to limit the negative impacts of climate change.
Climate change can exacerbate food, water, and livelihood insecurity with cascading effects such as displacement, migration, and increased competition for natural resources, leading to heightened tensions and instability in a country or region. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change can worsen or prolong existing violent conflicts and hinder the implementation of climate action measures, making it challenging to achieve and maintain peace.
Climate security involves assessing, managing, and reducing the risks to peace and stability caused by the climate crisis. This means ensuring that climate mitigation and adaptation efforts go beyond avoiding harm and positively contribute to peace and stability. It also implies that interventions in conflict prevention and peacebuilding take into account the impacts of climate change. Technical solutions for climate action and adaptation can serve as opportunities for peacebuilding and repairing social fabric, especially in conflict-affected and fragile countries.
Climate action can help mitigate the root causes of conflict and fragility. For example, access to renewable energy can be a lifeline that supports clean water, light, warmth, and sustenance, as well as basic and essential services. It also promotes local economic development while guiding countries toward a sustainable development path for recovery.