Bringing Light into the Dark – Climate Change and its Implications for Security
Ottawa, 6 February 2021
As one of the first to be interviewed, in the podcast episode "In the Shadows – What is climate security," by Rebecca Henrys, EDRC's policy director and co-coordinator of the Brussels Dialogue on Climate Diplomacy (BDCD), Alexander Verbeek examined the security implication of climate change. "In the Shadows" facilitates discussions with experts on national security and intelligence topics related to current affairs.
Taking a stance on the general relationship between climate change and security, Alexander reflected on the human security implications stemming from a changing climate. He drew connection from individual harm, particularly for the most vulnerable and more impoverished communities, to broader security implications caused by, for instance, migration and food and water insecurities. These, while not in every case, can cause the exacerbation of local tensions into violence and conflicts as seen in the Arab Spring.
On a more positive note, Alexander reflected upon national-level progress to tackle climate change and the purpose of global networks. He emphasized the role of the EDRC and Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change (GMACCC) to bring together relevant stakeholders and international organizations to share expertise and create innovative solutions in a narrative of hope. Alexander concluded by showing hope and optimism for action to tackle climate change and its security implications based upon efforts taken to address the current pandemic.