security
Newsletter
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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.
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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Credit: Cornelia Schneider-Frank/Pixabay
TC Energy's secretive efforts to shape Canadian energy policies exposed
Leaked recordings reveal TC Energy's strategies to influence North American governments and foster relationships with security officials to protect its fossil fuel interests.
In short:
- TC Energy employs former Trump staffers to influence policies and manage geopolitical threats from Washington, D.C.
- Recordings detail efforts to alter Canadian legislation to benefit TC Energy's security and intelligence sharing.
- The company's strategies include leveraging geopolitical crises and relationships with national security officials.
Key quote:
“Our focus as a team is to look at what exposes us to hostile complex threats such as nation-states using asymmetric tactics, cyber-threats exploiting vulnerabilities, geopolitical uncertainties impacting global markets and supply chains, and evolving regulatory challenges.”
— Michael Evanoff, director of national security policy, geopolitical intelligence and research, TC Energy
Why this matters:
These revelations emphasize the deep ties between major fossil fuel companies and government officials, highlighting how industry influence can shape national policies on energy and security.
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Credit: ManuMNair/Big Stock Photo
Rising temperatures drive Middle East food prices higher
Extreme heat, referred to as "heatflation," is pushing up food prices in the Middle East, exacerbating economic challenges in the region.
In short:
- Tomato prices in Iraq and Morocco have tripled due to extreme weather conditions, significantly impacting low-income families.
- Onion prices in Egypt also surged due to a combination of heatwaves and production costs, with some local traders contributing to the issue.
- The World Economic Forum defines "heatflation" as rising food prices caused by extreme heat, and studies predict significant increases in food costs by 2035, particularly in already hot regions.
Key quote:
"There is no question that heatflation exists. The empirical evidence is clear that climate change is having increasing impacts on agricultural output and food prices around the world."
— Ulrich Volz, economics professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Finance at SOAS, University of London
Why this matters:
Farmers are struggling to maintain their harvests as prolonged droughts and scorching temperatures devastate fields, reduce water supplies, and increase the cost of irrigation.
As a result, the cost of staples such as wheat, vegetables, and fruits has surged, straining the budgets of households already grappling with high inflation rates. For families, this means tougher choices at the market and the potential for increased food insecurity.
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Photo by Alexis Mette on Unsplash
Climate change report highlights impacts to Alaska infrastructure, security, health, livelihoods
Alaska is warming at two or three times the U.S. rate, with impacts ranging from individuals’ health and safety to the military security of the nation, according to a new federal report.
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Extreme heat pushes more farmworkers to harvest at night, creating new risks
Working in the dark may help agricultural workers keep cool, but safety advocates worry the trend could also be causing more accidents and compromising worker health.
Image by Mircea - All in collections from Pixabay
Study Spoiler cutting food waste has unintended consequences
In a first of its kind global assessment, researchers show that tackling food waste could drive a ‘rebound effect’ whereby people end up buying more food. Good for food security; but bad for the environment.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The surprising upside of climate migration
To adapt to climate change, people will move. The results will not be all bad.
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