EVENT: China’s Climate Security Vulnerabilities

In an era increasingly defined by climate change, the United States and China stand out as the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases—but neither country is immune to its impacts. China, home to nearly 20% of the world’s population and 6.5% of the Earth’s land surface, faces a number of climate security challenges. A recent report published by the Center for Climate and Security identified three categories of risk: (1) direct risks to military and critical infrastructure; (2) compounding risks to internal political stability as climate change threatens food and water security; and (3) external risks as competition over shared resources is heightened and China contends with the impacts of climate on its more vulnerable neighbors.

New Report: China’s Climate Security Vulnerabilities

explores China's security vulnerabilities in the face of expected climate change effects, focusing on its key risks, the Chinese response so far, and identifies important uncertainties as conditions continue to develop. The report also makes several recommendations for the United States as it addresses what the Department of Defense has called the "pacing threat" from China.

Ahead of Arctic Council Meeting, New “Story Map” Analysis Outlines Mounting Climate Change Risks to Arctic Security

May 18, 2021 — Today, ahead of Thursday’s Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting, the Council on Strategic Risks’ Converging Risks Lab and the Woodwell Climate Research Center release a new “story map” analysis of the major impacts climate change and permafrost…

New Report: Melting Mountains, Mounting Tensions: Climate Change and the India-China Rivalry

By Rachel Fleishman and Sarang Shidore See the associated India-China story map here. In many parts of the world, climate change is a trigger for disaster. In some, it can also be a catalyst for conflict. On the India-China border,…

The Himalayan Hotspot: Diplomacy Needed to Address Environmental and Climate Security Risks

By Maya Saidel Heightened militarization in the Himalayan region has impeded diplomatic and multilateral efforts to tackle critical climate issues endangering one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. In early June, at least 20 soldiers perished in a historic clash between…

How the U.S. Should Counter Coronavirus Disinformation Campaigns

On March 30, Defense One published an excellent article by the Council on Strategic Risks' Natasha Bajema and Christine Parthemore on COVID-19 disinformation campaigns, and how the U.S. could most effectively combat them. Below is a short excerpt from the…

The South China Sea: A Potential Climate, Nuclear, Security Hotspot

Earlier this year, The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) convened its multidisciplinary Working Group on Climate, Nuclear, and Security Affairs to further investigate the intersections of these trends.  In the forthcoming weeks, CSR will publish a series of posts expanding…