Ecological Security: Climate Change and the Construction of Security

Climate change is a security issue, but there is debate over what security means and who is at risk. This book examines the ethical assumptions and implications of climate security discourses and argues for a shift towards focusing on the resilience of ecosystems and the most vulnerable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Climate change is widely acknowledged as a significant security concern, yet there remains debate surrounding the definition and scope of security. Different perspectives on security, referred to as discourses, span from those emphasizing national sovereignty to those that highlight the vulnerability of human populations. This book delves into the ethical underpinnings and consequences of climate security discourses, ultimately advocating for a shift beyond the protection of human institutions and collectives. Drawing from political ecology, feminism, and critical theory, Matt McDonald proposes that the focus should be on the resilience of ecosystems themselves when addressing the climate-security relationship. This approach aims to prioritize the most vulnerable individuals and communities across time, space, and species. The book outlines the ethical assumptions and contours of ecological security and examines how it can be integrated into contemporary political contexts. Given the urgent nature of the climate crisis, such a shift is imperative.

Introduction:
Climate change is undeniably a pressing global issue that poses significant threats to human well-being, the environment, and international security. While the recognition of climate change as a security concern has grown in recent years, there remains debate and contention over what exactly security means and who is most vulnerable to its impacts. This book aims to examine the ethical assumptions and implications of climate security discourses, exploring the need for a shift towards a more holistic and inclusive approach to addressing climate-related risks.

Different Accounts of Security:
Security is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses a wide range of dimensions, including political, economic, environmental, and social aspects. Different discourses of security reflect these diverse perspectives and emphasize different aspects of vulnerability. For example, some accounts of security focus on national sovereignty, emphasizing the protection of borders, territory, and resources from external threats. Others emphasize the vulnerability of human populations, particularly those in developing countries and marginalized communities, to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, food insecurity, and displacement.

Ethical Assumptions and Implications:
The ethical assumptions and implications of climate security discourses are critical to understanding their impact on human societies and the environment. One of the key ethical assumptions is that the protection of human institutions and collectives is the primary goal of climate security. This approach often prioritizes the interests of developed countries and their economic interests over the needs and rights of vulnerable communities. However, this approach may overlook the long-term consequences of climate change on human societies and the environment, such as the displacement of communities, the loss of biodiversity, and the exacerbation of social and economic inequalities.

Moving Beyond the Protection of Human Institutions:
To address the ethical challenges of climate security discourses, it is important to move beyond the protection of human institutions and collectives. This requires a shift towards a more holistic and inclusive approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human societies and the environment. One approach to achieving this is through the concept of ecological security, which emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of ecosystems to climate change. Ecological security recognizes the importance of protecting natural resources, such as forests, oceans, and biodiversity, as well as the role of ecosystems in providing essential services such as food production, water purification, and climate regulation.

Feminist and Critical Theory Perspectives:
Feminist and critical theory perspectives provide valuable insights into the ethical assumptions and implications of climate security discourses. Feminist scholars have highlighted the gendered dimensions of climate change, particularly the disproportionate impacts on women and marginalized communities. Critical theory perspectives, on the other hand, emphasize the power dynamics and inequalities that shape climate security discourses and policies. These perspectives suggest that the protection of human institutions and collectives is often driven by the interests of powerful actors, such as corporations, governments, and international organizations, rather than by the needs and rights of vulnerable communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, climate change is increasingly recognized as a security issue, but the ethical assumptions and implications of climate security discourses need to be critically examined. A shift towards a more holistic and inclusive approach to climate security that recognizes the resilience and adaptability of ecosystems and prioritizes the needs and rights of vulnerable communities is essential. By integrating insights from political ecology, feminism, and critical theory, we can develop a more ethical and effective approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The urgency of this shift cannot be overstated, given the ongoing climate crisis and its profound impacts on human societies and the environment.

ISBN-13: 9781009010801