Climate change put pressure on defense, security: experts

Climate change has exacerbated the already tense situation in many areas around the world and put pressure on security and defense forces in many countries, top defense and national security experts said at the Climate Security Summit held in Canberra on Wednesday.

Retired U.S. Rear Admiral and climate security expert David Titley said food and water shortages caused by climate change could become one of the factors that triggers conflicts as what can be seen in North Africa and Middle East.

He noted that from 2007 to 2010, Syria experienced the worst drought in recorded history.

Changes in boundaries or exclusive economic zones due to sea-level rise can also lead to conflict while melting sea ice can open up new economic resources such as in the Arctic with the potential to cause competition and conflict.

Former British climate and energy security envoy, retired Rear Admiral Neil Morrissetti said climate change will pose threat to geo-political stability of the world.

Former Australian Defense Force (ADF) chief Chris Barrie, who is co-chairing the summit, said climate change might lead to the crisis in the field of energy, water, food, health, security and uncontrolled mass migration.

He said Australia's defence forces were highly exposed to the security risks of climate change.

"The impacts of climate change, worsening extreme weather and sea-level rise, pose national security risks. As soon as this summer, the Australian Defence Force could face multiple demands for assistance in relation to climate-induced natural disasters both at home and abroad," he said.

The Summit, which is being hosted by the Climate Council, comes as Australian defence forces are expected to soon be called upon to provide assistance to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Papua New Guinea, where a devastating drought has caused widespread crop damage and water shortages. Enditem