Global Warming and Security: The Security Implications for NATO and the EU of a Melting Polar Ice Cap in the High North

Abstract

Environmental changes will have an impact on global and regional security communities. This article will examine the security challenges posed by the melting of the polar ice cap in the High North. Many NATO and EU members have manifest interests in this region, and parts of the Arctic belong to the NATO treaty area. Of cial documents, political statements, and actions already taken show that the most of the Nordic countries address the effects of climate change on their region’s security in speci c policies and national security concepts. Moscow has sparked concerns in the West with displays of its will and capabilities—for example, ying strategic bomber patrols over the Arctic, or the hoisting the Russian ag on the sea bed below the North Pole. Despite a high degree of media awareness and intensive public discussions about spheres of in uence and a possible return to classical geopolitics, both NATO and the EU try to avoid sending signals that would indicate that they regard regional security questions in the Arctic as a matter of deep concern or urgency. The motivation behind this article is to investigate this disconnect, to explain it, and to draw conclusions that argue for or against changes in the present posture. If their affected members states do not securitize the threats and vulnerabilities related to the melting polar ice cap in the High North within the organizations, NATO and the EU will lack the incentive and legitimacy to adapt their security policies and strategies in order to address the evolving situation. Having said this, the question of the research