Climate Security: The Role of Knowledge and Scientific Information in the Making of a Nexus

The book explores how climate change creates a climate-security nexus, linking conflicts to climate-related risks. It examines the role of knowledge in constructing this nexus and the ways in which the international community can better integrate the situations of people at the frontlines of climate change into policymaking.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Climate change has profound implications for global security, with potential impacts ranging from increased geopolitical tensions to humanitarian crises. One area of concern is the link between climate change and conflicts, which has been referred to as the "climate-security nexus." In this innovative book, Matti Goldberg examines how such connections are constructed and explores the extent to which they are driven by evidence and science. Goldberg begins by describing the tools used to present the wars in Darfur and Syria as "climate wars," highlighting the fragmented role of the sciences in these presentations and the resulting patterns of influence and marginalization of impacted populations. He also highlights how the international community can better integrate the situations of people at the frontlines of climate change into policymaking, identifying potential entry points for positive change.

The book is a valuable resource for researchers interested in climate-security links, science-policy interfaces, and the formation of nexuses of issues in international politics. It is also of interest to practitioners working on the climate-security nexus and science-policy interfaces, as it provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with addressing these complex issues.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of knowledge in shaping the climate-security nexus. Goldberg argues that the construction of this nexus is influenced by a range of factors, including political ideology, economic interests, and media narratives. He suggests that the scientific community has a critical role to play in shaping the discourse around climate change and its implications for security, but that this role has been undermined by a lack of transparency and accountability.

Another important theme of the book is the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing climate change and its impacts on security. Goldberg argues that the climate-security nexus requires a holistic approach that considers the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the problem. He calls for a greater emphasis on the role of the humanities and social sciences in understanding the complex social and political dynamics that contribute to climate change and its impacts.

The book also provides a critical analysis of the policies and practices that have contributed to the climate-security nexus. Goldberg argues that the international community has failed to address the root security implications of climate change effectively, and that a more proactive and ambitious approach is needed. He suggests that policymakers should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in climate adaptation and resilience measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of climate-security studies. It provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the link between climate change and conflicts, and offers practical recommendations for addressing these complex issues. By highlighting the role of knowledge, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy reform, Goldberg provides a roadmap for building a more secure and sustainable future in the face of climate change.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032587943