Deepening US Climate Security Ambition: A Road Map for 2023
Publisher: Center for Climate & Security
Author(s): Brigette Hugh and Erin Sikorsky
Date: 2023
Topics: Climate Change, Conflict Prevention, Governance, Humanitarian Assistance, Programming
Countries: United States
In 2023, U.S. policymakers and practitioners will have many opportunities to solidify and institutionalize progress on climate security. Overall, the key themes for 2023 should be: execution, integration, and sustainability. Strategies and roadmaps have been created—now it is time for implementation.
To that end, a next step to ensure progress on climate security across all agencies is developing and filling the pipeline with climate adaptation and resilience projects so agencies are ready to spend when funding becomes available. Resilience projects can take years to be fully implemented, which means the resilience interventions must be started today to ensure tomorrow’s security.5 Additionally, given the pace and intensity of climate hazards—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) assesses the United States experienced 18 separate disasters in 2022 whose damages exceeded $1 billion6—another overarching priority must be to significantly increase response capabilities, both at home and abroad.
This briefer evaluates progress and makes additional recommendations for the coming year across five different areas: integrating climate security in regional strategies; linking climate adaptation and conflict prevention; maximizing whole-of-government approaches; increasing support for allies and partners; and leveraging strategic forecasting tools.