Climate Change as a Security Threat: Climate Risks into Defence Policy

Aug 29, 2026 | Laiba Awan
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Canada has increasingly integrated climate change into its defence strategy, recognizing it as a threat multiplier affecting military readiness, infrastructure resilience, Arctic security, and operational effectiveness. NATO has identified climate change as a security challenge requiring greater resilience, adaptation, and cooperation among Allies, influencing Canada’s approach to incorporating climate considerations into defence planning. Through defence policies such as Strong, Secure, Engaged (2017), Our North, Strong and Free (2024), and the Defence Climate and Sustainability Strategy (2023), Canada has sought to incorporate climate considerations into military planning and operations.