For National Security, Climate Finance Must Be Made 'Conflict-Proof'

Feb 2, 2022 | Elsa Barron and Erin Sikorsky
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As the House takes up the America COMPETES Act of 2022, a comprehensive bill to promote innovation and economic competition with China, climate change is at the center of the discussion. One goal of the bill is ensuring the United States is the preferred partner for countries around the globe as they face security risks from rising temperatures and increased extreme weather events. The provisions aimed at strengthening support for allies and partners include $8 billion over two years to assist developing countries with mitigating and adapting to climate change. While such climate financing measures have traditionally been a key focus of human rights and development communities, they are increasingly central to U.S. national security as the United States looks to prevent climate-driven conflict and instability as well as strengthen the capacity of its allies and partners to weather climate shocks.