UK Warns Climate Crisis Is Emerging as Major National Security Threat
By Fiona Harvey Environment editor3 min read
NEW YORK: The United Kingdom has warned that climate change and accelerating nature loss are becoming major threats to national security, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband telling international counterparts that an expected El Niño could place unprecedented pressure on global food and water systems.
Miliband delivered the warning during a closed-door meeting with foreign ministers from European Union countries, Kenya and other nations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The meeting was based on findings from a UK Joint Intelligence Committee assessment examining the security consequences of climate change and the collapse of natural ecosystems. According to findings reported by The Guardian, the assessment warned that widespread ecosystem degradation could contribute to conflict, migration, food shortages and economic disruption.
Miliband said the approaching El Niño could intensify climate-related shocks and create cascading consequences across borders.
“This will intensify climate shocks that compound and cascade across borders, threatening food and water security, displacing communities, putting pressure on markets and scarring economies,” Miliband told the meeting.
He argued that climate change and biodiversity loss should no longer be treated solely as environmental issues, saying they have direct implications for economies, foreign policy and national security.
Ecosystem Collapse Raises Security Concerns
The intelligence assessment reportedly examined the potential consequences of the degradation of major ecosystems, including the Amazon and Congo rainforests. The loss of these natural systems could have repercussions for food production, water availability, migration patterns and economic stability across multiple regions.
Retired British General Richard Nugee said governments should assess climate-related threats in the same broader national-security framework used for other disruptions.
He pointed to the example of infrastructure damage, arguing that the consequences can be similar regardless of whether a critical bridge is destroyed by hostile action or washed away by extreme weather.
UK Announces New Climate Security Measures
Miliband announced plans to appoint a special representative for climate security and establish a ministerial taskforce focused on the national-security and resilience risks associated with climate change and nature loss.
The proposed taskforce is expected to bring together military and security officials with climate scientists to assess emerging risks and strengthen government preparedness.
The UK also announced £330 million for the Global Environment Facility, which supports environmental protection and ecosystem conservation in developing countries.
Intelligence Report Remains Partially Withheld
The Joint Intelligence Committee report has become politically sensitive in the UK after its planned publication was reportedly halted shortly before its scheduled release under the previous government.
A redacted version was later released under Freedom of Information legislation, while calls for publication of the complete assessment have continued.
Green Party MP Adrian Ramsay welcomed the decision to share the report’s findings internationally but questioned why UK parliamentarians still do not have access to the full document.
The developments come as governments increasingly examine climate change not only as an environmental challenge but also as a factor affecting food security, migration, economic resilience, infrastructure and international stability.
Miliband delivered the warning during a closed-door meeting with foreign ministers from European Union countries, Kenya and other nations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The meeting was based on findings from a UK Joint Intelligence Committee assessment examining the security consequences of climate change and the collapse of natural ecosystems. According to findings reported by The Guardian, the assessment warned that widespread ecosystem degradation could contribute to conflict, migration, food shortages and economic disruption.
Miliband said the approaching El Niño could intensify climate-related shocks and create cascading consequences across borders.
“This will intensify climate shocks that compound and cascade across borders, threatening food and water security, displacing communities, putting pressure on markets and scarring economies,” Miliband told the meeting.
He argued that climate change and biodiversity loss should no longer be treated solely as environmental issues, saying they have direct implications for economies, foreign policy and national security.
Ecosystem Collapse Raises Security Concerns
The intelligence assessment reportedly examined the potential consequences of the degradation of major ecosystems, including the Amazon and Congo rainforests. The loss of these natural systems could have repercussions for food production, water availability, migration patterns and economic stability across multiple regions.
Retired British General Richard Nugee said governments should assess climate-related threats in the same broader national-security framework used for other disruptions.
He pointed to the example of infrastructure damage, arguing that the consequences can be similar regardless of whether a critical bridge is destroyed by hostile action or washed away by extreme weather.
UK Announces New Climate Security Measures
Miliband announced plans to appoint a special representative for climate security and establish a ministerial taskforce focused on the national-security and resilience risks associated with climate change and nature loss.
The proposed taskforce is expected to bring together military and security officials with climate scientists to assess emerging risks and strengthen government preparedness.
The UK also announced £330 million for the Global Environment Facility, which supports environmental protection and ecosystem conservation in developing countries.
Intelligence Report Remains Partially Withheld
The Joint Intelligence Committee report has become politically sensitive in the UK after its planned publication was reportedly halted shortly before its scheduled release under the previous government.
A redacted version was later released under Freedom of Information legislation, while calls for publication of the complete assessment have continued.
Green Party MP Adrian Ramsay welcomed the decision to share the report’s findings internationally but questioned why UK parliamentarians still do not have access to the full document.
The developments come as governments increasingly examine climate change not only as an environmental challenge but also as a factor affecting food security, migration, economic resilience, infrastructure and international stability.
