States and Nature: The Effects of Climate Change on Security

Climate change can lead to negative security outcomes due to state capacity, political exclusion, and international assistance. This argument is demonstrated through case studies from sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has the potential to have significant impacts on global security. While the effects of climate change are not universally experienced, some regions are particularly vulnerable to its effects. In this essay, we will explore the potential security implications of climate change in three key areas: food security, water security, and climate-related displacement.

Food Security: Climate change is expected to have significant impacts on food security, particularly in developing countries that rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and pest outbreaks can lead to crop failures, food shortages, and increased food prices, which can exacerbate social unrest and political instability. For example, in 2010, the severe drought in the Horn of Africa resulted in millions of people facing food insecurity and political instability, including the outbreak of the famine in Somalia.

Water Security: Climate change is also expected to have significant impacts on water security, particularly in regions that are already experiencing water scarcity or drought. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to changes in water availability and quality, which can affect human health, agriculture, and energy production. For example, in the Middle East, water scarcity is already a major concern, and climate change is expected to exacerbate this problem by reducing water availability and increasing water demand.

Climate-Related Displacement: Climate change is also expected to lead to significant displacement of people, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and regions that are vulnerable to natural disasters. As sea levels rise, coastal communities are at risk of flooding and erosion, which can force people to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Climate-related displacement can also lead to political instability and conflict, as people compete for scarce resources and land.

In conclusion, climate change has the potential to have significant impacts on global security, particularly in developing countries that are already vulnerable to social, economic, and political challenges. While the effects of climate change are not universally experienced, some regions are particularly vulnerable to its effects. It is important for policymakers and researchers to take these potential security implications into account when developing policies and strategies to address climate change.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 235 x 158 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108832465