The increasing pressure of ecological disruption on people and on security means that ideas and policy on peace and security must increasingly address the need for ecological security. This paper poses five research questions concerning: (a) amplification of antimicrobial resistance (pathogens that are increasingly drug-resistant); (b) the physiological consequences of pollution; (c) the loss of nature’s contribution to people’s well-being; (d) local and regional ecological tipping points; and (e) detrimental organisms and processes that thrive in the rapidly changing planet.
Each question has a human health dimension, with likely socio-economic impacts and effects on behaviour, as well as potential effects on security and political stability. Understanding these issues is essential if appropriate responses are to be developed.
The publication argues that more research is needed in both the natural and the social sciences, with interdisciplinary work that is in close contact with the policy world. The authors highlight the urgency of the situation with regards to human health, by elaborating on how human disruption of ecological systems is detrimental to the mental and physical well-being of people. They conclude by addressing the following five points and offering recommendations on how to tackle these growing threats;
1. Amplification of antimicrobial resistance
2. The physiological consequences of pollution
3. The decline of nature’s contribution to people’s well-being
4. Local and regional ecological tipping points
5. Detrimental organisms and processes that thrive in the rapidly changing planet
This article was authored by Dan Smith and Rod Schoonover. It was originally published by the Stockholm International Peace and Research Institute; it can be viewed in its entirety using the link here.