The Impact of Climate Change on Human Security: Civilian and Military Perspectives

Climate change is unfolding at an increasing pace as a result of human activity. While we have managed to enrich and strengthen our societies, the planet has weakened. The effects of climate change are visible and the impact is at multiple levels, posing a risk to the way we conceive of and conduct economic, social, political, and military activities. In other words, climate change is a threat to human security, a challenge that must be faced without further delay.

With the help of a panel of experts and by bringing together students, academics, and policy-makers, this event aims to raise awareness of the complex implications of climate change; bridging civilian and military perspectives on the issue, in order to stimulate dialogue, public engagement, and effective climate change mitigation and adaptation practices.

Programme

09:45 - 10:00              Arrival of Participants & Refreshments

10:00 - 10:15               Opening remarks

Mr Alexander Verbeek (moderator) - Policy Director, Environment & Development Resource Centre (EDRC) / Founder, Institute for Planetary Security (IPS)

10:15 - 11:30                Panel discussion

"The science of observed and projected climate change."

Dr Peter Hopcroft - Birmingham Fellow, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham       

“Climate change negotiations: where are we, and where are we headed?”

Dr Sevasti-Eleni Vezirgiannidou - Lecturer, Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), University of Birmingham

“The climate-security nexus: how does climate change impact on security?”

Dr Jamie Shea - Secretary General, Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change (GMACCC) / Former Deputy Assistant Secretary General, Emerging Security Challenges, NATO

“Security implications of a changing climate: the need for an all of Government - all of society response”

Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, RN (Ret.) Honorary Professor and Vice Dean (Public Policy) at University College London's Faculty of Engineering Sciences / Member, Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change / Former Special Representative for Climate Change to UK’s Foreign Secretary         

11:30 - 12:00               Q&A session

12:00 - 12:45               Buffet Lunch & Networking  - free for all participants

The event is jointly organised by the Environment & Development Resource Centre (EDRC), Secretariat of the Global Military Advisory Council on Climate Change (GMACCC) and the Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS).

Registration is required