30 October 2024

Climate Security at NATO

Looking Beyond Today’s Wars

In this commentary, dr. Louise van Schaik, Head of Unit EU & Global Affairs and Senior Research Fellow at Clingendael, examines NATO's recognition of climate change as a significant security threat. The commentary was previously published by Istituto Affari Internazionali on 5 August 2024.

Is NATO really prepared for a changing climate? And what could NATO consider to do more in this field? 

Discussing these questions, dr. van Schaik outlines NATO’s historical and current efforts to address climate-related security risks, including the establishment of policies, action plans, and a Centre of Excellence for Climate Change and Security. She also discusses the implications of climate change on military operations and suggests further steps NATO could take to enhance its climate security measures, such as deepening cooperation with the EU and integrating low-carbon innovations.

Read the full commentary by Louise van Schaik through the link here.

Photo credit: Gunter Hentschel/Flickr.