Advancing the Role of the OSCE in the Field of Climate Security
Publisher: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Author(s): Niklas Bremberg and Anniek Barnhoorn
Date: 2021
Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Causes
This SIPRI Policy Brief assesses the role of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the field of climate security, in terms of its current and possible future commitments. Despite growing political momentum among most OSCE participating states about the need to address the issue of climate security, there appear to be divergent views on how to move forward on this import ant issue. Based on an assessment of recent OSCE activities linked to climate related security risks and interviews with representatives from OSCE participating states, this policy brief suggests four avenues for the OSCE to advance its role in the field of climate security: (a) agree to new commitments; (b) engage in agenda setting; (c) strengthen the mandate of institutions; and (d) develop existing resources.