Report links climate change and security threat
28 April 2009
Climate change is likely to threaten countries’ economic and national security, sparking growing tension between states as they compete for increasingly scarce natural resources, says a new report published by Lloyd’s.
Climate change will make fresh water an increasingly precious resource, put food production under greater stress, create extra volatility in the supply of energy and trigger population shifts from countries with scarce resources to those with more, says the report.
Diminishing supplies
The study, 'Climate Change and security: risks and opportunities for business', published with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), says India and Pakistan may clash over the diminishing water supply from the Indus river basin.
Tension between Russia and China may increase as the latter finds it increasingly difficult to feed itself, while growing shortages of oil and gas could see five states compete to exploit the rich reserves in the Arctic, says the report.
Mass migration
The effects of global warming could also trigger mass migration to the United States from Mexico that could severely strain relations between the two countries, the report says.
Companies need to understand how these climate-related security concerns will affect their businesses, so they can protect themselves from the threats it poses as well as exploit the opportunities it creates, the report states.
Mitigation strategies
Despite the dangers these security concerns present, well-prepared business may not simply survive, but may be able to thrive in this new environment.
“Every organisation needs to have a clear understanding of its particular vulnerabilities and have in place a range of mitigation strategies. Their ability to understand early what the impacts of climate change are going to be, may not only protect them from threats but can also open up new business opportunities,” says Richard Ward, Lloyd’s Chief Executive.
Last updated on 29 Apr 2009
