Climate in the crosshairs: Security, scarcity, and power in a warming world
When: 23 October 2025 | 09:10-09:55
Format: Panel discussion
Venue: Plenary (Weltsaal)
This high-level plenary will open the conference by exploring how climate change is reshaping the global security landscape. As resource scarcity and environmental stressors intensify, they are driving both new forms of cooperation and heightened geopolitical competition. The session will bring together diverse perspectives – from major powers to climate-vulnerable states – to examine the security implications of a warming world, the risks of climate action being subsumed by Realpolitik, and the opportunities for renewed multilateral leadership ahead of COP30. This framing discussion will set the tone for deeper exploration of climate, peace, and security throughout the conference.
Guiding questions:
- How is climate change reshaping national security priorities and doctrines across diverse regions and power blocs?
- In what ways are resource pressures and environmental stressors driving or mitigating geopolitical tensions?
- How can the international community prevent the securitization of climate risks from undermining climate ambition and cooperation?
- What steps can be taken to ensure that principles of inclusion and equity are integrated into climate security strategies, particularly in regions facing conflict and instability?
Speakers:
Stay tuned for the upcoming speaker announcements
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