Responding to a changing climate
Security Implications for Austria and Europe
Nov 27, 2024 / Wien / Global Affairs
On the 27th of November 2024 the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES), in partnership with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence and convened leading policymakers, researchers, and experts organized a workshop under the title "Responding to a changing climate" to discuss the security implications of climate change. Distinguished speakers included:
Katharina Rogenhofer, Chair- and Spokeswoman, Kontext Institute
Sarah Jackson, Climate Policy Analyst, New Climate Institute
Juergen Scheffran, Chair of the Research Group on Climate Change and Security, University of Hamburg
Florian Krampe, Director of the Climate Change and Risk Programme, SIPRI
Gregor Erbach, Head of the Climate Action Research and Tracking Service, European Parliamentary Research Service
Sabrina Kaschowitz, Senior Researcher and Project Manager, FES Regional Office for International Cooperation
The workshop focused on the intricate interplay between climate change and European security, delving into how environmental disruptions exacerbate geopolitical risks and societal challenges. Discussions examined rising tensions in vulnerable regions such as the Mediterranean, Africa, and South Asia, where climate-induced resource competition and migration pressures are intensifying.
Participants also explored Europe’s dependency on fossil fuels – particularly from Russia – emphasizing the necessity of a transition to renewable energy to strengthen energy security and reduce vulnerabilities. The global race for critical resources, such as lithium essential for green technologies, was identified as a key issue, alongside the risks linked to unsustainable extraction practices.
A recurring theme was the role of misinformation in delaying climate action and polarizing societies. Strategies to counter these narratives, including enhanced media literacy and trust-building measures, were widely discussed. Moreover, the challenge of mobilizing sufficient climate finance highlighted the importance of equitable global partnerships and improved coordination within the EU and with developing countries.
The workshop underscored the profound implications of climate change for Europe’s security, revealing the complex connections between environmental disruptions, resource dependencies, and geopolitical dynamics. It emphasized the urgency of integrating climate policies with security strategies and fostering international cooperation to address shared vulnerabilities. By uniting diverse perspectives, the event demonstrated the potential for collaborative solutions to one of the most critical challenges of our time.
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