Integrated Policy Responses for Addressing Climate-related Security Risks

Climate change has far-reaching implications for human livelihoods and activities, including potential security implications. These security risks are multifaceted in nature and involve human, community, state and international security. Effective policy responses in different policy communities will be required to address these risks. As a way of strengthening their responses, many policy organizations are attempting to develop integrated policy approaches.

This Policy Brief summarizes the report Climate-related Security Risks: Towards an Integrated Approach, which details three key ways to strengthen integrated policy responses: (a) identify common concepts that can facilitate collaboration and mutual understanding across policy communities; (b) develop organizational structures to reinforce coordination; and (c) cultivate a deeper understanding of climate-related security risks. A truly integrated approach cannot be achieved without strategic guidance based on long-term thinking. Sustained and coherent leadership is therefore a vital overarching component of any such approach.