NATO faces mounting challenges due to climate change

A NATO report reveals that climate change is increasingly complicating global security and NATO's operational capabilities.

Kiley Price reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Climate change is intensifying extreme weather, which disrupts NATO operations and strains resources.
  • The Arctic's melting ice and depleting fish stocks are expected to increase regional competition and security challenges.
  • Cyber risks are growing, with climate disinformation campaigns threatening global climate action.

Key quote:

“Climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, leading to conflicts over water and food. It can also impact large-scale migrations, which can destabilize regions and strain national security, leading to humanitarian crises and increased pressure on receiving countries’ resources and infrastructure.”

— Jason Bordoff, director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University

Why this matters:

Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a significant threat to global security. As extreme weather events become more frequent, NATO must adapt its strategies to ensure readiness and support for civilian authorities in disaster responses.

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