The 7 Planks of 21st Century Diplomacy
The best resource for all of our 21st Century Diplomacy: Foreign Policy Is Climate Policy content is the official website, hosted by the Wilson Center and adelphi. But the ECC editors are also collecting the topics here for eager readers.
Discover the essays:
The actions of the United States, China, and India will largely determine climate’s impact on the globe. At the same time, climate change is already influencing today’s era of great power competition and redefining the landscape of global leadership.
The climate crisis lays bare issues of inequity and injustice. Those least responsible for climate change are most vulnerable to its impacts. How can the foreign policy community accelerate and align efforts to address climate change with the global rallying cry for a more equitable and just world?
The Paris Agreement and UNFCCC process remains the primary avenue for current climate efforts and nation-state-to-nation-state diplomacy. This traditional mode of diplomacy is indispensable, but neglects the transformative power of sub- and non-state actors that are teaming up to take progressive action and form new leadership coalitions. What do these new modes of multilateralism mean for 21st century diplomacy?
Storm surges leave people stranded in their homes. Climate change can leave billion-dollar assets and entire sectors stranded, their value eroded by the changing economic landscape. Central banks, insurers, and financial regulators need to account for climate risk, including in international negotiations.
Decarbonizing the global energy system could spare every country from the most damaging climate impacts. However, universal benefits are not equal benefits, and the balance of power and relations between states will inevitably shift. What will the new geopolitical landscape look like?
Climate change is already a key driver in people’s decisions to move. The current foreign policy narrative on climate-affected migration focuses on security threats, border controls, and refugee management. But to empower those who are at the climate and mobility crossroads to enjoy meaningful choices, the diplomatic community will need to facilitate the protection of life and dignity, whether individuals and communities are on the move or choosing to stay in place.
Geoengineering is deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s natural systems to combat climate change. Solar radiation management (SRM) is arguably the most likely technology to be deployed. An appealing technology option for some and risky endeavor for many, the lack of international norms or regulations on SRM research and deployment is a pressing diplomatic priority.
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Wilson Center
Why has the AU been silent on the Ethiopian dam dispute?
Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are currently engaged in vital talks over the dispute relating to the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River. While non-African actors are increasingly present in the negotiations, the African Union (AU) is playing a marginal role.
New report assesses critical global security risks of a changing climate
Climate change was more central than ever at this year’s Munich Security Conference (MSC), the leading international forum for senior military, security and foreign policy leaders. The release of the inaugural “World Climate and Security Report 2020” (WCSR 2020) by the Expert Group of the International Military Council on Climate and Security (IMCCS) should help policymakers take effective action.
adelphi helps bring climate security to the Munich Security Conference
The mission of the Munich Security Conference is to “address the world’s most pressing security concerns”. These days, that means climate security: climate change is the ultimate threat multiplier, and anyone discussing food security, political instability, migration, or competition over resources should be aware of the climate change pressures that are so often at the root of security problems.
The European Green Deal has made the environment and climate change the focus of EU action. Indeed, climate change impacts are already increasing the pressure on states and societies; however, it is not yet clear how the EU can engage on climate security and environmental peacemaking. In this light, and in the run-up to the German EU Council Presidency, adelphi and its partners are organising a roundtable series on “Climate, environment, peace: Priorities for EU external action in the decade ahead”.