Which dynamics will play a key role in determining whether climate change leads to more insecurity and instability over the next 50 years? And which are adequate preventive measures? Three new studies on behalf of OSCE and EEA give resoucreful insights to answer these questions.
The impacts of climate change are becoming more visible every day. It is essential to take preventive measures at an early stage to tackle the potentially negative consequences of this change. In response to these challenges, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined forces with the European Environment Agency (EEA) to examine the security risks of climate change.
adelphi supported this process by conducting a series of studies and numerous scenario workshops in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Western Balkans and the Southern Caucasus, organising a roundtable in Copenhagen on climate change and security in the Arctic, and carrying out a literature review on the security implications of climate change in the Southern Mediterranean region.
On behalf of the EEA, adelphi concluded this process by compiling a comprehensive report on the security implications of climate change for the OSCE regions. The study demonstrates the potentially far-reaching impacts of climate change on security and pinpoints critical uncertainties and dynamics which will play a key role in determining whether climate change leads to more insecurity and instability over the next 50 years. The current situation could either result in a vicious circle for the OSCE regions, consisting of environmental problems and economic, social and political crises, potentially leading to violent revolutions and conflicts, or prompt them to seize the opportunities presented by climate change challenges to enhance regional cooperation and integration. Taking comprehensive action at an early stage will be crucial to this process. In addition to pinpointing regional priority areas for action, the study puts forward recommendations for the OSCE and the EEA, which aim to support the states in the OSCE regions and enable them to make better preparations for these challenges at organisational level.
Ruettinger, Lukas 2013
Climate Change and Security in the OSCE Region. Scenarios for Action and Cooperation. Berlin: adelphi.
Wolters, Stephan, Dennis Taenzler and Lukas Ruettinger 2013
Environment, Climate Change and Security in the Arctic. Scenario Workshop Report. Berlin: adelphi.
Fritzsche, Kerstin and Lukas Ruettinger 2013
Environment, Climate Change and Security in the Southern Mediterranean. Berlin: adelphi.
adelphi
2nd Climate Diplomacy Week 2018 - Highlights
Climate Diplomacy Week is a perfect opportunity to highlight positive climate action, set new goals and engage more and new actors in the fight against the devastating impacts of climate change. Each year, the week has its own character. Climate Diplomacy Week 2018, from 24-30 September, was marked by action – throughout the world, civil society participated in inspiring educational activities and engaged the wider public in the climate cause.
Canada and EU add climate clause to trade pact
In a move that underscored Donald Trump’s isolation on trade and climate change, the two major economies inserted a reference to the Paris Agreement into Ceta.
Fourteen Latin American and Caribbean countries made history at the UN General Assembly on September 27 by signing the Escazú Agreement, a regional accord on public participation and access to information and justice in environmental affairs. It is the first region-wide agreement of its kind and has been touted a big step forward in recognising the rights of environmental defenders. Signatories now need to ratify the Agreement internally before it can enter into force.
Is SAARC prepared to combat climate change and its security risks?
Though India is now pushing for BIMSTEC, geography dictates that it cannot ignore SAARC. South Asia is extremely vulnerable to a range of climate impacts, ranging from shrinking glaciers and water scarcity to floods and rising sea levels. Responding to these risks is a complex task, also because often impacts affect more than one country and their severity exceeds the capacity of national governments. Climate change creates new challenges for regional organisations, and simultaneously increases their relevance.