Climate Security and the Strategic Energy Pathway in South Asia
Publisher: International Military Council on Climate and Security
Date: 2021
Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Causes, Cooperation, Extractive Resources, Governance, Renewable Resources
Countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan
South Asia’s geography makes it particularly vulnerable to climate change. Less appreciated is the likely impact of climatic change on security and stability in the region, both within and between states. Climate impacts can amplify existing underlying socio-economic tensions, resource scarcity, instability, national rivalries, and basic health and governance challenges. At the same time, they can compromise the ability of first responders, which are often military, to effectively respond. From an intra-state perspective, security can be compromised when climate impacts vulnerable populations, triggering or magnifying unrest, inter-ethnic violence, internal rebellion or mass migration. How the local and national governments respond will determine the duration and extent of the security challenge.