As the arguably greatest challenge of our time, climate change is a global issue with innumerable, widespread, and severe consequences. These include the increased risk of pandemics. It is time to realize that climate change is not about political interests and national security anymore. It is about the future of humankind and therefore, planetary security. Collaboration on an international scale and joining forces will lead to determined action – and ultimately insure a sustainable future.
Table of Contents
1 Intro
2 History brief
3 Climate change and conflict risk
4 Planetary Security
4.1 What it is and why it matters
4.2 Research on the topic and related fields
4.3 Definitional basics
5 Perspective for the future
5.1 Behavioral change
5.2 Raising awareness, breaking up silos
5.3 Rethink policies, establish responsible positions
6 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This discussion paper addresses the urgent global challenge of climate change, positioning it not merely as a matter of political or national interest, but as an existential threat to humankind that requires a unified framework of "planetary security."
- The causal link between climate change and the risk of violent global conflict.
- The potential for "water wars" and resource competition due to environmental degradation.
- The role of military organizations and government policy in fostering climate resilience.
- The necessity of behavioral change and breaking institutional silos to address systemic risks.
- Defining planetary security as a duty to protect global ecosystems and economies.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1 What it is and why it matters
Research suggests that global challenges – climate change1, pandemics2, conflict risk through e.g. water shortage, geopolitical developments3 – are interconnected in one way or another (Nordqvist, Krampe, 2018, URL; Ratner, 2018, URL; United Nations, 2020, URL; Unknown author, 2019, URL; Pinner et al., 2020, URL; Barrie et al., 2020, pp. 1-18, Ischinger, 2020a, URL).
Climate change is considered a “root cause of conflict in specific regions and countries”(Dortland et al., 2019, p. 1) by the UN Security Council and the relation of international security and climate change is getting increased attention4 - global warming is recognized as a multiplier for threats and the EU or the UN put an increased focus on the topic (Dortland et al., 2019, pp. 1-10).
More than 50 percent of the global GDP is dependent on nature in a high or moderate way, according to research by the World Economic Forum. In an interconnected system, it is shown how one of the elements can trigger a domino effect and destabilize a system – as currently shown by the pandemic. Diseases which are emerging are the result of interference in ecosystems in many cases and therefore show the need of an intact nature. Nature can act as a secure cushion between humans and diseases and it is required to ensure the sustainable capacity of the planet to benefit a yielding and sound human population (Quinney, 2020, URL).
Summary of Chapters
1 Intro: Introduces climate change as the defining challenge of our time, emphasizing the need for international collaboration and immediate action.
2 History brief: Examines current global temperature trends and scientific evidence proving that the current rate of warming is unprecedented in the last 2,000 years.
3 Climate change and conflict risk: Analyzes how environmental degradation, water scarcity, and social inequality serve as drivers for regional conflict and instability.
4 Planetary Security: Establishes the conceptual framework for planetary security and examines how military and policy institutions can adapt to these new threats.
5 Perspective for the future: Explores paths forward, including behavioral shifts and the need to break institutional silos to tackle multifaceted global risks.
6 Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of holistic, interdisciplinary research and urgent collective action to ensure a sustainable future.
Keywords
Planetary Security, Climate Change, Global Conflict, Sustainability, Pandemic, Environmental Degradation, Water Scarcity, Geopolitics, Behavioral Change, Institutional Silos, International Security, Resilience, Inequality, Climate Action, Resource Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
This paper explores the intersection of climate change and global security, arguing that environmental shifts pose an existential threat that requires a cohesive, interdisciplinary response under the term "planetary security."
What are the primary thematic areas?
The central themes include the link between climate change and violent conflict, the socioeconomic impact of resource depletion, the role of military and political institutions, and the importance of global behavioral change.
What is the main objective of the research?
The main objective is to define planetary security as an urgent political and social duty and to advocate for a holistic, global approach to mitigating threats that currently destabilize our interconnected world.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The paper relies on a qualitative synthesis of existing studies from various scientific bodies, think tanks, and institutions like SIPRI, the World Resources Institute, and the European Commission to analyze global risk trends.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section covers the historical context of global warming, the empirical evidence linking climate change to conflict risks, the definition of planetary security, and strategic outlooks for future policy and behavioral adaptations.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Planetary Security, Climate Change, Global Conflict, Environmental Degradation, Sustainability, and Geopolitical Stability.
What does the term "water war" imply in this context?
It refers to the increasing probability of regional conflicts arising from competition over dwindling fresh water resources as populations grow and environmental conditions worsen.
Why does the author advocate for a "Planetary Protection Officer"?
The author uses the NASA "Planetary Protection Officer" as a model for interdisciplinary responsibility, suggesting that governments should establish similar high-level positions dedicated to the security and health of our planet.
How can behavioral change affect the climate crisis?
The paper highlights how global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate that rapid, mass-scale behavioral shifts—such as reduced travel and industrial activity—can yield immediate, positive environmental results, proving the potential for similar collective action against climate change.
- Quote paper
- Stefan Raul (Author), Reimar Weissbach (Author), Dr. Benjamin Rosskopf (Author), Hannah Stiegler (Author), 2020, Planetary Security. How does climate change relate to global conflict?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/945321
