Climate Security Debates in the UN Security Council and Potential Climate Security Risks

Abstract

There have been new trends after the Cold War in global security: while military threats have further declined, non-traditional security threats such as climate change are rising steeply. IPCC’s assessment reports have confirmed the global warming trend. Climate disasters and the consequent regional conflicts may cause catastrophes in the human society, thus posing serious threats to international peace and security. The UN has been pushing ahead global governance in non-traditional security issues including climate change. Since 2007, the UN Security Council has held four debates on climate security with the endeavor to push for an international consensus, adding new momentum in global efforts to address climate change. China, as a permanent member of the Security Council and the largest GHG emitter in the world, is facing greater pressure on mitigation and providing financial support. However, to demonstrate China’s role as a responsible major country and take the lead in addressing global climate change, China should (1) actively participate, promote and lead climate security debates; (2) cooperate with other countries to address climate risks; (3) speed up the domestic transition towards a green and low-carbon development paradigm; (4) accelerate the construction of a climate adaptive society.