►  Climate change functions as a 'threat multiplier,' in the sense that it aggravates stressors such as poverty, environmental degradation, political instability, and social tensions that can enable terrorist activities and other forms of violence.

►  Climate security encompasses the risks posed by extreme weather events, rising sea levels, changing resource availability, forced migration, and heightened political tensions over these issues.

►  Leading nations like the United States, European Union, Japan, France, and Germany have each taken unique approaches to mainstream climate considerations into their security policies, reflecting the urgency and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

 

Introduction

 

In recent years, the international community suffered enormously from extreme weather events, such as heat waves, drought, massive scale wildfires and hurricanes, all of which are attributable to climate change. Little is understood, though, about how climate change and the related events may constitute security threats to states and people. It is crucial to bring light on the mechanisms by which climate change exacerbates pre-existing security risks while also becoming an existential threat in some cases.

 

Firstly, climate change functions as a “threat multiplier,” in the sense that it aggravates stressors such as poverty, environmental degradation, political instability, social tensions that can enable terrorist activities and other forms of violence. For example, the inclement weather such as drastic changes in precipitation will negatively affect crop production and exacerbate existing food insecurity.

 

Secondly, climate change can become a distinct form of threat itself by endangering local, regional, subnational, and even national governments and communities. The best example fitting this description is a sea level rise from the melting of Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic threatening South Pacific small island nations to be submerged.

 

The Concept of Climate Security and Its Implications

 

From this recognition of climate change’ potential either as a threat multiplier or as an existential threat itself comes the concept of “climate security.” To put it simply, climate security examines how climate change affects national and international security. It is rooted in the idea that environmental conditions directly impact political stability, economic health, human rights, and the availability of critical resources, and that destabilization in these areas can lead to broader security challenges. Climate security encompasses the risks posed by extreme weather events, rising sea levels, changing resource availability, forced migration, and heightened political tensions over these issues.

 

At both national and international levels, climate change intersects with various facets of security, affecting military preparedness, economic stability, infrastructure resilience, and social cohesion.

 

First, the military must operate in increasingly extreme climates and be prepared to respond to disasters and humanitarian crises intensified by climate change. This includes adjusting military facilities to withstand extreme temperatures, floods, and other climate impacts.

 

Second, climate change creates challenges for the energy sector, especially where countries rely on non-renewable energy resources that contribute to emissions. Shifts toward renewable energy sources are crucial for climate security but can also introduce vulnerabilities in terms of resource supply chains and grid stability.

 

Third, agriculture and freshwater supplies are severely affected by climate change, threatening food security and leading to competition over resources. As discussed above, droughts, for instance, can force regions or nations into conflict over scarce resources, increasing tensions and potentially leading to cross-border disputes.

 

Fourth, climate impacts like flooding, hurricanes, and droughts disrupt economic activities, infrastructure, and communities. The economic costs of adaptation, recovery, and rebuilding can strain government budgets and impact overall economic resilience, especially in vulnerable areas.

 

Fifth, climate security is related to migration and refugee flows. Environmental degradation and resource scarcity drive people to migrate, either internally or across borders. Climate-driven migration often creates social tensions, overburdens urban infrastructures, and sometimes exacerbates existing geopolitical conflicts.

 

Major Countries’ Mainstreaming Climate Change into Their National Security Policy

 

Several major countries have started to integrate climate security into their national security policies in a bid to address these multifaceted risks.

 

1. United States

The United States views climate change as a critical threat to national security. In 2021, the Department of Defense (DoD) published a Climate Risk Analysis to better understand and respond to climate impacts on military readiness, missions, and installations. Furthermore, President Biden has called climate change “the number one issue facing humanity,” directing national security and defense agencies to consider climate impacts on infrastructure, energy, and operational risks. U.S. defense and intelligence agencies also analyze climate change as a “threat multiplier” that can destabilize regions and exacerbate threats like terrorism and insurgency.

 

2. European Union

The European Union has committed to ambitious climate action through policies like the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The EU Climate and Security Risk Assessment Framework is designed to guide member states in integrating climate resilience into national security policies. European security policies now view climate change as a driver of instability, especially in vulnerable regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The EU also leads efforts in climate diplomacy, working with other regions to build resilience and mitigate climate risks that could trigger crises.

 

3. Japan

Japan, an island nation highly vulnerable to natural disasters, is proactive in incorporating climate considerations into its national security framework. Japan’s National Security Strategy highlights climate change as a potential destabilizing factor, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan’s Ministry of Defense has assessed potential threats posed by climate change to infrastructure and logistics, while also engaging in regional partnerships for disaster preparedness. Japan’s self-defense forces frequently engage in disaster response, showcasing their role in addressing climate impacts.

 

4. France

France has recognized climate change as a strategic security issue, particularly given its overseas territories that are highly vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather events. The French military has integrated climate risk assessments into its operations and training, and it also considers climate change as a key factor in strategic planning for the Sahel region, where resource scarcity and desertification drive migration and fuel conflicts. Additionally, France plays a prominent role in the EU’s climate diplomacy, using its position to advocate for global climate agreements and encourage climate adaptation in international aid.

 

5. Germany

Germany takes a proactive approach to climate security, recognizing the potential for climate change to exacerbate global inequality and political instability. The German Federal Ministry of Defense includes climate risk as part of its strategic assessments, and Germany’s foreign ministry actively promotes climate resilience in developing countries. The country’s military is also adapting to the increased demand for humanitarian assistance following natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent and intense.

 

The State of Climate Security Policy in Korea

 

Korea has shown increasing awareness of climate security but has room to strengthen its approach, especially given its geopolitical vulnerabilities and position in a region highly sensitive to climate change.

 

Korea's current approach to climate security is largely driven by its 2050 Carbon Neutral Strategy and the Korean Green New Deal. The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and has developed national strategies for green energy transitions and climate adaptation. Korea has also committed to supporting climate resilience in Southeast Asia, where climate impacts are acute and regional stability is of mutual interest.

 

More significantly, in Korea’s National Security Strategy that came out in June 2023, climate change was listed as a new security threat, along with infectious diseases and cyberattacks, which are negatively affecting various aspects of human life. The responses to this new security threat contained in this national security document are somewhat weak, though, with only strengthened cooperation with the international community mentioned and not much detail provided as practicable measures.

 

In terms of military preparedness, the Korean Ministry of National Defense is beginning to recognize climate risks. Korea’s geographical position exposes it to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and even geopolitical risks related to regional resource scarcity. However, unlike some Western nations, climate security in Korea is not fully integrated into defense planning, and climate change considerations are often confined to civil and economic policy frameworks rather than mainstreamed into national security

 

.Conclusion

 

Climate security is an increasingly significant part of national and international policy as countries recognize the diverse ways climate change threatens both immediate and long-term stability. Leading nations like the United States, European Union, Japan, France, and Germany have each taken unique approaches to mainstream climate considerations into their security policies, reflecting the urgency and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

 

For Korea, the journey toward integrating climate security into national policy is still evolving. While the Korean government has shown a commitment to environmental issues, further steps can be taken to make climate resilience a core component of national security. By enhancing defense readiness, fostering regional collaboration, and investing in climate technology, Korea can strengthen its ability to address the complex security challenges posed by a changing climate, ensuring greater stability and resilience for the nation and the broader region.