Securitization Of Climate Change Research Articles

Securitization of local adaptation: Signs of riskification in a Dutch region

AbstractClimate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and sea level rise, causing scholars to argue that it has become a security issue and that extraordinary measures are being legitimized by its perceived threat, referred to as securitization. Securitization of climate change has so far been studied predominantly in an international and occasionally national context. Little is known on how security dynamics play out on the local, subnational level. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated if and how adaptation to climate change (CCA) has been securitized for the water domain in a region in the Netherlands that is a CCA frontrunner: Dordrecht. Our case study comprised a detailed document analysis complemented with eight policymaker/expert interviews. In the discourses, actors and tools employed in the governance of CCA in Dordrecht we found signs of securitization in the form of riskification: risk terminology being used in CCA governance; greater involvement of risk and safety actors; and the development of new risk tools like risk and vulnerability analyses. However, securitization remains largely absent: CCA continues to be dealt with as a shared responsibility and as a cross‐sectoral policy issue to be integrated and mainstreamed to become the “new normal.”

NATO’s Securitization of Climate Change in the Arctic

This study analyzes how and why the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) securitizes climate change in the Arctic. The study acknowledges that climate change has not only endangered the environmental security of the Arctic but has also intensified geopolitical competition over the region’s resources and trade routes as a threat multiplier. Regarding the impact of the changing structure of the region from the “cooperation front” to the “competition area”, the study reveals that NATO considers climate change as a part of the collective defense dimension of its organizational identity, along with increasing geopolitical competition, to develop a holistic approach in its Arctic policy. Drawing on the Copenhagen School and social constructivism, the study presents that NATO resorts to securitization discourses that concretize the threat in order to address climate change within the scope of its organizational identity.

Environmentally driven migration in EU discourse: norms, policies and realities.

For decades, the European Union (EU) has been addressing issues related to climate change and ecological degradation as a self-proclaimed pro-environmental and human rights-oriented actor. Correspondingly, the topic of the so-called environmentally driven migration entered the EU discourse at the dawn of the new millennium. Considering the EU's interest in the human rights and environmental/climate issue areas, I argue it is important to ask what the Union's approach to this matter has been. Thus, this article assesses the European Union discourse related to the topic of environmental migration over the past 20-year period. Through the theoretical lens of the Copenhagen School of Security Studies and the normative power EU conception, this paper critically analyses the EU's securitisation of climate change in relation to persons referred to as environmental migrants. Based on a qualitative discourse analysis, the preliminary results imply that the topic has been receding into the background of the EU agenda. In line, environmental migrants have been pushed aside by a multiplicity of other subjects threatened by climate change, thus receiving lesser attention in the EU climate change and migration management policies. Overall, the findings show a shift from an alarmist discourse to more pragmatism on the EU's behalf and a larger focus on adaptation and resilience in most affected areas. With this in mind, this article questions the normative standard the EU sets for itself when it comes to the case of environmental migrant protection.

Climate change and security research: Conflict, securitisation and human agency

Climate change has increasingly been understood as a security problem by researchers, policymakers and media commentators. This paper reviews two strands of work that have been central to the development of this understanding–namely 1) the links between global heating and violent conflict and 2) the securitisation of climate change–before outlining an agency-oriented perspective on the climate-security nexus. While providing sophisticated analyses of the connections between climate change and security, both the conflict and securitisation strands have encountered several epistemological challenges. I argue that the climate security concept can be revitalised in a progressive manner if a more dynamic, relational approach to understanding security is taken. Such an approach recognises people’s everyday capacities in managing their own safety as well as the security challenges involved in responding to a continually evolving threat such as climate change.

Securitization of Climate Change in International Politics with a Focus on Climate-Induced Displacement

Securitization of Climate Change in International Politics with a Focus on Climate-Induced Displacement

Threatification, riskification, or normal politics? A review of Swedish climate adaptation policy 2005–2022

While the securitization of climate change has attracted considerable attention in academia, there is less research on the securitization of climate adaptation. We study securitization trends in Swedish climate adaptation policy from 2005 to 2022 and investigate whether Swedish climate adaptation policy adheres to threatification, riskification, or normal politics. More specifically, we look at i) discourses, ii) actor constellations, and iii) tools and resources. We find that in 2005, extreme weather events triggered a discourse shift in climate adaptation from a non-political issue towards riskification. Sweden adopted a national climate adaptation strategy in 2018, framing climate change as a risk that can be controlled through adaptation. So far, climate adaptation is managed using existing tools and strategies including research and decision support, recommendations from expert agencies, and climate risk assessments. In a similar vein, actor constellations resemble the normal governance structure. Climate adaptation appears to be integrated into business-as-usual politics rather than enforcing risk governance, and managed through existing tools and strategies instead of prompting extraordinary measures beyond day-to-day operations.

Migration from the perspective of climate change

Abstract The present paper has as main objective to examine the literature and show the literature review, debates and discussions related to migration and implication of economic development. Media and academic circles are strongly attracted by the topic of migration and its consequences. Aspects brought into attention, from migration and economic development point of view are: climate change, social, economic, political and legislative. The reality is pushing us to research this phenomenon because migration effects are already visible and important for European communities, both for origin and destination countries. It comes questions that point to the core of economic, social, politic and environmental developments of the 21st century and these are referring to environmental and climate justice, as well as existing and growing of the relationships between the involved parties. This paper presents also the literature review analysis of different framings, points of view and lines of argument, and highlighting debates about securitization of climate change, depending on economic and connections to development studies and adaptation research and their influence on migration decision. Migration decision dependents on many factors, such as: level of life, education, employment opportunities, gender and age, familial needs and financial possibilities, but climate change, too. Also, the present paper will point out scientific papers that address the new challenges influencing labour migration inside European Union such as: COVID-19 pandemic, environmental changes, besides social inequalities and regional conflicts which are now at the borders of the European space.

Of violence and (in)visibility: the securitisation of climate change in international law

Abstract Drawing upon critical security studies, I explore the political stakes involved in characterising climate change as a peace and security issue. I argue that international law is involved in the constitution and embedding of specific climate security discourses, which have an impact on whose violence is seen and, thus, condemned.

Japan’s Climate Change Discourse: Toward Climate Securitisation?

This article situates Japan in the international climate security debate by analysing competing climate change discourses. In 2020, for the first time, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment included the term “climate crisis” (<em>kikō kiki</em>) in its annual white paper, and the Japanese parliament adopted a “climate emergency declaration” (<em>kikō hijō jitai sengen</em>). Does this mean that Japan’s climate discourse is turning toward the securitisation of climate change? Drawing on securitisation theory, this article investigates whether we are seeing the emergence of a climate change securitisation discourse that treats climate change as a security issue rather than a conventional political issue. The analysis focuses on different stakeholders in Japan’s climate policy: the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parliament, the Cabinet, and sub- and non-state actors. Through a discourse analysis of ministry white papers and publications by other stakeholders, the article identifies a burgeoning securitisation discourse that challenges, albeit moderately, the status quo of incrementalism and inaction in Japan’s climate policy. This article further highlights Japan’s position in the rapidly evolving global debate on the urgency of climate action and provides explanations for apparent changes and continuities in Japan’s climate change discourse.

Securitization of Climate and Environmental Protection in China’s New Normal

Around 2009, China’s economy has become the largest greenhouse-gas emitter. Climate protection policies have gradually entered the ‘high politics’ sphere in China particularly when climate and environmental protection have proved to be effective tools in achieving other political goals. When Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, China has entered into the “new normal” with a more comprehensive economic strategy that includes or even elevates a wide range of climate and environmental protection policies. China’s economic development is now shifting the balance of growth away from heavy-industrial investment and toward a more sustainable growth. Why – and how – did China change its tune? The key driver of change on the political importance of climate and environmental protection is China’s effort to recentralize governance. At the same time, while acknowledging that centralization is itself not the end but also a means to other political goals, this paper focuses on how the securitization of climate change and environmental protection has effectively served multiple purposes. It serves as a guiding principle on socioeconomic development and it serves as legitimacy to reestablish control by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with Xi at the helm. With the linkage of climate and environmental protection to these political goals, China’s experience becomes distinct from the usual securitization process. Also, China shows that while most political processes do not formally include democratic deliberation or the direct approval of an audience, climate and environmental protection does encourage more latent forms of participation not only of citizens, but of experts. Therefore, the process of securitization is also feasible in non-democratic societies

The giant step of tiny toes: youth impact on the securitization of climate change

Climate change has been a global concern since the late 1800s. Responding to the problem, the world governments have been working on significant breakthroughs such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. However, the general society is still unaware of the climate change issue. A series of youth movements are formed within a decade and creating significant impacts within the society. For the rapid growth of the youth movements all over the world, this paper aims to cover some of the movements, especially one that is led by Greta Thunberg.Thunberg’s effort has moved people to prioritize the climate change issues, in a domino effect fashion. By using the qualitative descriptive method, this paper highlights the missing-link on the securitization of climate change in the world’s discourse. Putting the Thunberg action as the momentum of the rising of the climate change issue in the global arena, the paper seeks to understand the securitization process of the issue that has been done. One of the results isthat the United Kingdom became the first country to declare a climate emergency.

Reshaping Our World: The Opportunities and Challenges Associated with Climate Change-Induced Migration

Climate change-induced migration is an emerging issue that poses significant humanitarian, economic, and political consequences if not addressed on the international stage. Yet, its interdisciplinary nature, while cementing it as a greater sustainable development concern, confounds policymaking. Disregarding the implications of climate change, including but not limited to resource insecurity and overpopulation leading to instability and conflict, only exacerbates the probability of climate change-induced migration becoming a humanitarian disaster. The most prominent hindrance to the development of such a policy is the lack of a universal approach for recognizing climate refugees. Recognition poses opportunities for globalization, however it also poses challenges stemming from negative perceptions of migrants. Nonetheless, this synthesis of existing literature illustrates that collaborative efforts for the international recognition of climate migrants—as well as their capacities for adaptation and resilience—is crucial to create opportunities for sustainable development. 
 
 Following the conceptual context regarding climate science and terminology, it is the aim of this review to analyze the adaptive capacity of affected populations and how migration is becoming a form of adaptation itself. Second, in an increasingly-isolationist world, there is a heightened fear of refugees crossing international borders. It is crucial to discuss the securitization of climate change and its classification as a non-traditional security threat. It is apparent that while most climate change-induced migration will be internal, it remains imperative to develop effective international policy. In the subsequent discussion of potential policy avenues, it is argued that given the appropriate opportunities to engage in their new communities, refugees are capable of significant contribution, despite their misperception as dependents. By integrating this information into one comprehensive document, policymakers may acknowledge the importance of recognizing and extending protections to climate migrants.

Securitization of climate change: How invoking global dangers for instrumental ends can backfire

In national and international arenas, climate change and its impact are often framed as a grave global security threat, causing chaos, conflict and destabilising countries. This framing has, howeve...

Securitization of Climate Change in China: Implications for Global Climate Governance

Despite the traditional resistance to consider climate change as a national security issue, the security impact of climate change has been increasingly recognized by official discourses in China over the past few years. The Chinese perception on climate change has shifted from a development issue to a security topic; and two driving forces are behind the emergence of the climate security discourse: the shift of China’s economy towards a “New Normal” and the commitments China made in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Meanwhile, two modalities of discourse that characterize the Chinese context are also discerned. One that involves national security has a rather fixed procedure about how security can be spoken of and by whom; the other is more relevant for issues like climate change and air pollution. In both cases, even if the language of security is used with regard to climate issues, they are handled as normal politics and governmental actions are legitimized by the use of security language. Although China has taken on more climate responsibilities, it seems unprepared for global climate leadership because security considerations not only determine the country’s participation but also limit its international commitments in global climate governance.

Alternative Media and the Securitization of Climate Change in Turkey

Studies on securitization dynamics in a growing number of sectors have been conducted, including securitization of climate change. However, a relatively understudied agent of securitization is media. In the proposed analysis, we study Turkey’s media framing of climate change and whether and how it relates to the framings of security in general to acquire in-depth understanding of the role national media plays in securitization of climate change. Along with alternative online media outlet Bianet, mainstream outlets ( Sabah, Sözcü, Hürriyet, Milliyet) are analyzed. This article addresses the following main research question: How do the mainstream and alternative media frame climate change in the Turkish context? In order to answer this question, it adopts content analysis to analyze selected frames on climate change–related news utilized in Turkish media. Data have been collected and coded for three periods: first, the period of September–December 2007, when climate change was high on the global agenda. Second, January 1 to March 25, 2015, which was the period before the Pew survey began. Third, we have collected data for October 1 to November 4, 2015, which is the period just before the United Nations Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed. We find alternative media’s potential to serve as “alternative public sphere” by voicing the unspoken in public debate on climate change.

The Rise of Environmental Fascism and the Securitization of Climate Change

The Rise of Environmental Fascism and the Securitization of Climate Change

Securitization of Climate Change: The Inter-Regional Institutional Voyage

Securitization of Climate Change: The Inter-Regional Institutional Voyage

Security, Risk, and Securitization of Climate Change

The proponents of risk-security risk view that risk is effectively the new security. Risk widens securitization whereby exceptional measures are introduced and made permanent to deal with merely potential, hypothetical, and less than existential dangers. A transformation in the political logic of the security field of this kind is potentially problematic and has not been properly reflected in the primary theory of what security is, namely the Copenhagen School's Theory of Securitization. This article addresses this question by identifying the distinct logic of speech act that turns issues into questions of risk politics. A separate kind of speech act-'riskification'-is identified, based on a re-theorization of what distinguishes risks from threats. Threat-based security deals with direct causes of harm whereas risk-security is oriented towards the conditions of possibility or constitutive causes of harm of second order security politics harping on long term precautionary measures. While separating securitization and 'riskification ’, the analytical precision of the Copenhagen School notion of securitization is maintained. On the basis of this new framework, a critical understanding of literature has been suggested such that climate change has been securitized.

The Failed Securitization of Climate Change in Australia

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's first National Security Statement in 2008 identified climate change as a ‘fundamental’ threat to national security. Two years later, Rudd was deposed with little to show for climate activism beyond the largely symbolic ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Australians largely accepted Rudd's claim that climate change constituted a threat, yet relatively mainstream climate-policy measures were subjected to significant, and ultimately effective, political opposition. This has important implications for climate politics in Australia. This paper, however, focuses on implications for the securitization framework. Specifically, the author argues that this case raises serious questions about the capacity of the framework to account for the mobilising power of security or the dynamics of its construction.

Climate Change: The Hottest Issue in Security Studies?

AbstractSecurity studies in the 21st Century have broadened to encompass a variety of transnational phenomena newly defined as threats. Climate change is one of these phenomena. In theoretical terms, climate change is being securitized. Climate change, in which man‐made global warming is a major factor, is an internationally recognized phenomenon that is projected to produce dramatic, accelerating, and long‐lasting human, economic, and political consequences with profound security implications. These will be most pronounced in places where the effects of climate change are greatest, particularly affecting weak states already especially vulnerable to environmental destabilization. National security establishments in the United States and elsewhere are hurriedly attempting to come to grips with climate change and how to respond to its strategic challenges. This paper, in the context of securitization theory, human security, and sustainable security, discusses the phenomena of global warming and climate change, examines the destabilizing effects of climate change, describes how such effects are being perceived as transnational threats to security, and argues that securitization of climate change is necessary, timely, and irreversible.