China’s Climate Security Vulnerabilities

Apr 11, 2023 | Wilson Center, Environmental Change and Security Program
Washington, DC and online
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In an era increasingly defined by climate change, the United States and China stand out as the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases—but neither country is immune to its impacts. China, home to nearly 20% of the world’s population and 6.5% of the Earth’s land surface, faces a number of climate security challenges. A recent report published by the Center for Climate and Security identified three categories of risk: (1) direct risks to military and critical infrastructure; (2) compounding risks to internal political stability as climate change threatens food and water security; and (3) external risks as competition over shared resources is heightened and China contends with the impacts of climate on its more vulnerable neighbors. Not only will the country be affected by climate impacts, but global responses to climate change are also likely to have an impact on the country’s growth prospects and standing on the world stage. How climate change and responses to it influence China’s domestic and foreign interests are significant not only for China but also for the international community, including the United States.

Speakers

• Robert Daly, Director, Kissinger Institute on China and the United States
• Greg Pollock, Principal Director for Arctic & Global Resilience Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Erin Sikorsky, Director, Center for Climate and Security
• Jennifer L. Turner, Director, China Environment Forum & Manager, Global Choke Point Initiative

Moderator

• Lauren Herzer Risi, Program Director, Environmental Change and Security Program

When: April 11, 2023, 9:30am - 11:00am ET

Where: 5th Floor, Woodrow Wilson Center and Online