Global Security Implications of Climate Change

Climate change as a threat multiplier and driver of social, economic and

political instability. Climate change in information warfare. International

engagement on climate change (UNFCCC, COP). Key lines of national and

international (NATO, EU) responses to climate change-related challenges.

Security and defense dilemmas resulting from climate change.

The course aims to raise awareness of emerging threats to global security, with

special emphasis on climate change as a major security threat multiplier. We’ll

analyze the biophysical impacts of climate change and their socio-economic

and political consequences, such as rising food and water insecurity, health

risks, forced migrations, social unrest, violent conflicts, political instability,

etc. We’ll also look at the implications of climate change for the emergence

and re-emergence of infectious diseases with pandemic potential. Further,

we’ll move to familiarizing ourselves with the global engagement on climate

change (UNFCCC, COP). Then we’ll assess selected national and international

strategic documents addressing climate change through the lens of

national/regional/global security. Against this background, we’ll examine the

military and security implications of climate change, such as force structure,

basing and training, operations and strategy, key capabilities, domestic and

regional relief missions, etc. Subsequently, we’ll discuss key lines of national

and international responses to climate change-related challenges. In this

context, we’ll focus on efforts made by states and international bodies to

mitigate those threats. Finally, we’ll discuss the perceptions of climate change

as a key security threat, considering various factors affecting those perceptions

(including public campaigns and disinformation).

Reports and documents by: UN Specialized Agencies, NATO, EU and other

international organizations, selected national governments, think-tanks and

NGOs.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate and assess traditional and non-traditional threats to national,

regional and global security.

2. Demonstrate understanding of fundamentals of climate science, natural

and human-induced climate change, as well as threats and opportunities of

climate change.

3. Demonstrate understanding of the nexus between climate change and

accelerating outbreaks of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases

with epidemic potential.

4. See climate change as a major global security threat multiplier.

5. Refer to key international and (selected) national strategic documents

addressing emerging security threats, including climate change.

6. Evaluate and assess national and international efforts in mitigating climate

change, as well as identify key international actors in this field.

7. Identify climate disinformation, as well as understand and interpret

perceptions of risks associated with climate change.

80% Final exam

20% Active participation in discussions

2 absences are permitted during the course.