The effects of extreme weather events caused by climate change are now felt all over the world – warmer temperature causing desertification and inadequate food supply; low lying areas inundated by rising seas; drought sparked conflicts over water supply as downriver inhabitants safeguard their share. As a further consequence, food producing areas become uninhabitable leading to disease, mass migration and conflict. Worst of all, the scarcity of oil and mineral resources raises tensions between powers that import those commodities. All these could undermine a country’s capacity to carry out its key function of providing security to its people.

The security implications of the earth’s environmental degradation are forcing governments and militaries to review their long-term defense strategies. Defense planning is increasingly being shaped by climate and resource considerations.