Impacts of Climate Change on Colombia's National and Regional Security
Abstract
This study examines the projected impacts of climate change on the nation of Colombia and explores their implications for its future national and regional security. It argues that many of Colombia's existing security threats, which stem from internal problems of poverty, social inequality, and persistent levels of organized violence, will likely continue in the future and be affected by climate change. The most likely climate-driven effects with security implications are natural disasters particularly flooding-and the social and economic shocks these generate, and the security challenges entailed in large-scale human dislocation and economic change. In addition, several Colombian military bases are individually threatened by flooding or sea-level rise, and changes in river levels, sea levels, and the frequency and intensity of El Nifio/La Nifia events will affect to some degree tactical operations in river, jungle, and coastal operations. In regard to regional security, Colombia is likely to be called upon to participate in humanitarian and emergency relief. In a future context of limited government and international resources, it will be critical that countries of the region, including the United States, strengthen regional institutions that can coordinate joint planning and response to these relief efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA509086
Entities
People
- David M. Catarious Jr.
- Ralph H. Espach
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses