MEV 025: Unit 05 – Impacts of climate change on sovereign security

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 UNIT 5: IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SOVEREIGN SECURITY

5.1 Introduction

Climate change is not only an environmental or economic issue; it is also an emerging national and global security concern. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity are altering geopolitical dynamics, triggering conflicts, and stressing military and civil infrastructure. Sovereign security encompasses the ability of a state to protect its people, resources, and territory—areas all directly or indirectly threatened by climate-related disruptions.

Climate-related risks are now recognized by security agencies worldwide, including the United Nations Security Council, as “threat multipliers.” They exacerbate existing social, political, and economic vulnerabilities, particularly in fragile or conflict-prone regions.

5.2 Objectives

  • To define the concept of sovereign security in the context of climate change.
  • To analyze the relationship between climate risks and national security.
  • To examine the role of military forces in climate-induced disaster response.
  • To understand India’s preparedness and military response mechanisms.
  • To highlight case studies illustrating climate-security challenges.

5.3 Meaning of Security

Security traditionally refers to the protection of a nation's borders, people, and resources from threats such as war, terrorism, and internal conflict. However, in the context of climate change, security now includes:

  • Food Security – Stable access to sufficient, nutritious food.
  • Water Security – Access to clean and adequate water supply.
  • Energy Security – Reliable and affordable energy availability.
  • Health Security – Protection from climate-induced diseases.
  • Infrastructure Security – Resilience of physical systems to climate hazards.
  • Geopolitical Security – Managing international tensions and climate-induced migration.

Sovereign security is thus multidimensional, encompassing both hard (military) and soft (resource, social) threats.

5.4 Climate Change and Issues Related to Sovereign Security

Climate change can affect national and international security in several interrelated ways:

  1. Resource Conflicts: Droughts and floods can deplete essential resources such as food and water, potentially leading to domestic unrest or cross-border disputes.
  2. Forced Migration: Sea-level rise, desertification, and weather extremes displace millions of people, creating “climate refugees” who may overwhelm border regions or trigger ethnic conflict.
  3. Critical Infrastructure Disruption: Storms, floods, and heatwaves damage transportation, communication, and power networks, threatening national stability.
  4. Military Installations at Risk: Coastal military bases may become vulnerable to flooding, while extreme weather may affect training and deployment readiness.
  5. Geopolitical Tensions: Melting ice in the Arctic, for example, is opening new trade routes and leading to competing territorial claims.

Example: The Syrian civil war is partly attributed to a prolonged drought (2006–2010), which displaced farmers and fueled social unrest, leading to broader instability.

5.5 Role of Military Operation

Modern militaries are increasingly involved in climate-related disaster responses, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid.

They play a role in:

  • Emergency evacuation and rescue operations
  • Search and rescue during natural disasters
  • Relief distribution (food, water, medicine)
  • Construction of temporary shelters and infrastructure
  • Coordination with civilian authorities

The military also assists in managing logistics and ensuring order and discipline during chaotic events.

5.5.1 Role of Indian Army in Disaster Management

The Indian Army has a long-standing role in responding to natural and climate-induced disasters across the country:

  • 2001 Gujarat Earthquake: Provided rescue, medical aid, and reconstruction support.
  • 2013 Uttarakhand Flash Floods: Deployed over 10,000 troops and helicopters for evacuation and relief.
  • Cyclone Fani (2019): Helped state agencies with evacuations and setting up relief camps.
  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–21): Assisted with medical logistics, setting up hospitals, and transporting oxygen.

The Army’s strength lies in rapid deployment, access to remote regions, and disciplined coordination under extreme conditions.

5.5.2 Role of Troops in Disaster Management

Beyond the Indian Army, other defense wings such as the Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy, and paramilitary forces (e.g., National Disaster Response Force – NDRF) also play vital roles:

  • IAF: Airlifting personnel, relief materials, and medical supplies.
  • Navy: Coastal rescue and post-cyclone relief in maritime states.
  • NDRF: Specialized units trained in flood rescue, chemical disasters, and landslide response.

Example: During the 2023 monsoon floods in Assam and Bihar, NDRF teams saved thousands using boats and drones for rapid assessment.

5.6 Let Us Sum Up

  • Climate change is a growing threat to sovereign security, affecting not only physical infrastructure but also social, economic, and geopolitical stability.
  • It acts as a “threat multiplier,” aggravating vulnerabilities like poverty, resource scarcity, and migration.
  • National security must now include food, water, health, and energy dimensions.
  • Armed forces play a crucial role in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, both domestically and internationally.
  • India’s military response capability is critical to ensuring climate resilience in high-risk regions.

5.7 Keywords

  1. Sovereign Security – Protection of a nation's territory, resources, and population.
  2. Climate-Induced Migration – Movement of people due to climate-related factors like drought or sea-level rise.
  3. Disaster Management – Organized response to mitigate the impact of natural or man-made disasters.
  4. Threat Multiplier – A factor (like climate change) that worsens existing risks.
  5. Food Security – Reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food.
  6. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) – India’s specialized force for disaster relief and management.
  7. Critical Infrastructure – Essential physical and organizational systems like transport, power, and water supply.
  8. Geopolitical Tension – International conflict or strain over borders, resources, or political ideologies.
  9. Humanitarian Assistance – Aid provided to save lives and alleviate suffering in crisis situations.
  10. Environmental Migration – Displacement of populations due to environmental factors.

 

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