The Environment and our Security: how our understanding of the links has changed

Environmental degradation and the exploitation of natural resources are recognized as important drivers of violence between and within states, contributing to poverty and state failure.

This paper charts our evolving understanding of the complex relationship between environmental change and security, a debate that has developed considerably since the UN Conference on the Human Environment, held in Sweden in 1972.

It attempts to outline the major theoretical approaches and to arrive at some conclusions as to what we do know about the links between the environment and our security. Finally, the paper makes some suggestions for practical policies that can ensure environmental management is supportive of both peace and sustainable development.