For some time, ORG has identified the warming of the global climate as a likely driver of insecurity unless early action is taken to mitigate the increasing levels of greenhouse gasses in the earth’s atmosphere. The potential for existing instability and tensions to be exacerbated is high in a number of regions in the world as changing patterns of drought and rainfall alter the way often already poor and vulnerable people live and work.

The current tensions in Europe over resettling refugees coming from North Africa highlights the way future ‘climate refugees’ could add further stress to an already fragile global refugee regime. While a number of studies have focused on the security implications of climate change, little attention has been given to the precise ways in which those who deal with security policies should respond, as opposed to their counterparts in energy and environment departments.

ORG’s Sustainable Security Programme is pleased to announce a new project, funded by the Network for Social Change, to engage with the defence and security policy community in the UK, including Whitehall, the military and beyond, on their role in responding to climate change as a driver of insecurity.

More details will be posted on our website shortly and for more information, please contact Ben Zala.