Climate Security Threat Remains Hidden Behind Current Conflicts

Sep 5, 2014 | Responding to Climate Change
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At the NATO summit, the UK distributed leaflets outlining its five priorities for the summit. Number one is, obviously, the crisis in Ukraine. The phrase “most crucial summit since the Cold War” could easily have been the summit’s tagline, with Russia’s incursion into its neighbour dominating discussions between the NATO allies.

Number two is Afghanistan, with allies discussing their strategy as NATO’s combat mission draws to a close.

Number three is more promising: “tackling new threats”.

It says: “We must agree how NATO will help to protect its members from new challenges, whether the threat posed by extremists, regional conflicts or cyber attacks.”

There were plenty of glittering medals, starched uniforms and fancy new tanks on display in Newport. But no apparent concern about climate change.