Global Climate and the Security of the European Union
Abstract
Climate change is a natural process in the history of the earth, but man and his actions contribute to the deepening of the changes. The effects of climate change will manifest themselves as natural disasters, storms, and the rising of sea levels, which will have a direct impact on human security in terms of the economy, food production, health, the environment, and water resources. Changes in these sectors could cause instability, and in the worst-case scenario, a fight for survival. Every geographical region of the world will be affected by climate change. Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provide information on anticipated climate change and its potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The problem of climate change and security has already been recognized within the European Union. In 2008, the problem was presented in the "Paper from the High Representative and the European Commission to the European Council." To evaluate the impact of climate change on the stability and security of the European Union, this paper first examines the definition of security. Then, drawing on the conclusions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the paper summarizes the work of scientists concerning the impact of climate change on security. Next, the assessments of politicians and policy makers are presented. Finally, the paper examines the threats to the European Union based on predicted climate change for Europe and neighboring regions of the Middle East and North Africa.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561896
Entities
People
- Andrzej Solarz
Organizations
- United States Army War College