Environmental Security Publications
Backdraft: The Conflict Potential of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
May 14, 2013Amid the growing number of reports warning that climate change threatens security, one potentially dangerous – but counterintuitive – dimension has been largely ignored. Could efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and lower our vulnerability to climate change inadvertently exacerbate existing conflicts? more
Climate Change Adaptation and Peacebuilding in Africa: An Adaptation Partnership Workshop Report
Apr 04, 2013A workshop report focused on three areas of intersection that have dominated discussions of climate and security links in developing country contexts. more
Seven Ways 7 Billion People Affect the Environment and Security
Jan 11, 2013Today’s population of 7 billion people has a significant impact on the planet’s natural resources and on global security. Seven critical challenges—security, climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and future population growth—are affected by population dynamics in complex ways that demand holistic solutions. One effective and relatively inexpensive way to meet these challenges is to empower women by improving their access to education and health care, including family planning. more
Snapshot: China's Waste Challenge
Nov 19, 2012Every year, China generates 250 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), or one quarter of the world’s total annual waste.To help deal with this problem, 155 incineration facilities currently operate in China, with an expected 300 facilities to be online by 2015. However, these plants vary drastically in their ability to control pollution and toxic waste from China’s incinerators is occasionally dumped into ponds or landfilled, belying the clean and renewable image promoted by the government.
For citizens troubled by a lack of information from the government about incineration plants before and during construction, NGOs and grassroots organizations serve to fill the gap as sources of information, legal services, and advice. more
Securing Development and Peace in the Niger Delta: A Social and Conflict Analysis for Change
Jan 26, 2012Few regions in the world have been as unfortunate as Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. The delta’s abundant natural wealth stands in stark contrast to its palpable underdevelopment. The oil sector accounts for approximately 95 percent of Nigeria’s export earnings and over 80 percent of federal government revenue, but for nearly two decades the delta has been mired in conflict and violence that threatens human security and the national economy. more
"Rebuilding the American Food System—One Heirloom Tomato at A Time"
Aug 19, 2011A new U.S. Studies publication examining the challenges and trends in the American food system more
Burning the Bridge to the 21st Century: The End of the Era of Integrated Conferences
Jul 07, 2011While global environmental and population challenges are clearer and more pressing than ever, the international community seems less capable of constructive agreement, writes Frederick Meyerson. more
Minerals, Forests, and Violent Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Jul 07, 2011Confiscation and extraction of natural resources made war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo “a very lucrative business”. more
ECSP Report 7
Jul 07, 2011The Environmental Change and Security Project's 7th annual Report explores the connection between conflict and hunger, and looks at environmental stress and human security in Northern Pakistan. This issue also includes commentaries on the National Intelligence Council's Global Trends 2015 report; and a special forum addressing the question: Is there a population implosion? Complete report. more
