NATO’s Accelerated Efforts in Environmental Security and Protection: Addressing Climate Change and Security Challenges

The earth’s climate is rapidly changing, and with it comes an increase in weather extremes that pose significant challenges to global security. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has recognized the importance of addressing environmental security and protection in the face of these challenges. For decades, NATO has been at the forefront of dealing with environmental issues that can lead to humanitarian disasters, regional tensions, and violence.

NATO’s efforts in environmental security and protection encompass a wide range of initiatives, including disaster relief support, addressing environmental risks to military activities, and focusing on energy efficiency in the military through innovative technologies. The Alliance has been actively engaged in civil preparedness and emergency response to environmental disasters such as floods, forest fires, and earthquakes. Additionally, NATO has been working on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of armed forces.

In 1969, NATO established the Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society (CCMS) to address environmental challenges, including air and noise pollution, health care, and hazardous waste disposal. Over the years, NATO has continued to evolve its approach to environmental security, merging the CCMS with the Science Committee to form the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme in 2006.

NATO’s Science and Technology Organization (STO) plays a crucial role in promoting and conducting scientific research related to environmental issues. The Alliance has also adopted an ambitious Climate Change and Security Action Plan to mainstream climate change considerations into its political and military agenda. The 2022 Strategic Concept highlights climate change as a defining challenge of our time, emphasizing the need for NATO to lead in understanding and adapting to the impact of climate change on security.

At the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Allies welcomed the establishment of a NATO Centre of Excellence for Climate Change and Security in Montreal, Canada. This Centre will further enhance NATO’s capabilities in addressing climate change and its impact on security.

Overall, NATO’s commitment to environmental security and protection reflects the Alliance’s recognition of the critical role that climate change plays in shaping global security. By accelerating its efforts in this area, NATO is taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by a rapidly changing climate and ensure the safety and security of its member countries and partners.