Global warming and European security: Environmental challenges in defence and homeland security

The threats posed by rising temperatures to global peace and security are becoming increasingly apparent worldwide. Governments across Europe and elsewhere are growing more conscious of the challenges associated with the escalating temperatures and environmental degradation. For more than two decades, the European Union has taken a leading role in addressing environmental issues. However, protection and mitigation efforts are not entirely immune. Global warming serves as an imminent danger multiplier, influencing capacities and presenting operational challenges.

In the realm of national security and the military, evolving circumstances necessitate the expansion of dispute-resolution resources for global players, particularly in defence-related tools. This includes a reassessment of present practices in light of new circumstances. In this context, the European Union is rethinking the relationship between the environment and security, aiming to increase green energy consumption, promote energy conservation, minimize the environmental impact of military actions, and prevent the escalation of weather-induced tensions and disasters. The European Green Deal, along with “the idea for a holistic strategy for environmental and national protection,” the “global warming and defence plan of action,” and programs like the Strategic Planning Compass, which entails high standards to guide the EU’s military and environmental policies in the coming years, are integral to these efforts.

The goal of combating global warming is enshrined in Section 191(1) TFEU as an idea that the Union’s external operations can support. The EU Global Strategy 2016 states that “warming temperatures and pollution aggravate potential disputes due to their effects on deforestation, degradation of the environment, and alimentary shortages.” The environment is viewed as “a risk amplifier” that initiates nutritional shortages, epidemics, and movement, in accordance with the framework. The IPCC, in charge of examining environmental research, published a study concerning the effects of warming temperatures in 2021. Similarly, the World Economic Forum’s 2021 Global Risks Report predicted that the decade’s main hazards will include “digital assaults, missiles, and, particularly, global warming.” Environmental inability is the subsequent anticipated long-term danger having the biggest effect. According to the IPCC assessment, warming temperatures will cause disaster-related migration and food chain interruption, and shortages of water will worsen, with dry conditions exceeding €65 billion before 2100. In addition, rivalry for resources and food is going to grow while pollution and severe storms will impact people’s health. According to meteorological occurrences, eighty-five percent of the human race has been negatively affected. This has resulted in significant consequences for safety and stability. The International Military Council on Climate and Security’s 2020 World Environment and Military Assessment cites a minimum of five significant hazards that law enforcement experts anticipate within present conditions:

• Water scarcity is worsened by global warming.

• A higher probability of war is aggravated by climate change.

• The impact of global warming on military facilities and defence activities.

• Prospective adverse impacts of environmental mitigation approaches, such as environmental engineering on security dimensions, if executed with a grain of salt.

• Increasing dictatorship, protectionist policies, and nationalist sentiment are destroying global collaboration to solve security threats.

In sum, warming temperatures will likely continue to threaten global stability. Environmental alterations and repercussions exacerbate vulnerability conflicts and financial risks, jeopardizing global security and stability. Furthermore, global warming has worldwide ramifications for armed and civil populations, threatening combat transportation and power facilities.