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EXPERT COMMENT

The changing climate poses one of the most serious threats to global security.

The impacts of a changing climate pose a serious threat to global security and rethinking traditional security concepts, understanding the interconnected demands of climate security, sustainable human development and regenerative economic systems are all needed to address arguably the most serious threat to global security we face.

The impact of a changing climate on security

There is no doubt that climate change is fast becoming a major security risk. Severe weather events, mass migration, diminishing global freshwater supplies and changing disease vectors are adding to old and new security concerns as a result of their potential to exacerbate fragile situations and increase the vulnerability of countries – particularly countries already affected by conflict.

Indeed, worsening climate change impacts in conflict environments, such as Afghanistan, Mali or the Tigray region in Ethiopia, already complicate peacebuilding and could potentially lead to further social and political tensions.

Click here to continue reading the full version of this Expert Comment on the Chatham House website.