On December 9-10, 2023, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) teamed up with the Berlin-based think tank, adelphi, to host an insightful workshop focused on climate change and security. Representatives from various OSCE field operations and the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine gathered to engage in meaningful discussions around current climate security trends.
This workshop built upon earlier events in 2022 and 2023, allowing participants to share challenges, opportunities, and best practices. Bakyt Dzhusupov, the Co-ordinator of OCEEA, opened the session by highlighting the complex interplay between climate change and societal security.
The program included discussions about important themes like human mobility, communication, and the roles of gender and inclusivity. Yaroslav Yurtsaba, Associate Programme Co-ordination Officer for the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine, explained that the workshop aimed to find practical ways to integrate climate-related risks into security planning. “By understanding how extreme weather affects our operations, we can better prepare and respond to climate-related threats,” he noted.
Tatjana Djurkovic, National Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to Serbia, emphasized the need for inclusive approaches to tackle these challenges. She mentioned that raising public awareness and improving information sharing are critical steps for building resilience against the impacts of climate change.
The workshop also considered the future work of OSCE in addressing climate change and its security implications. It underscored the importance of utilizing scientific research and innovative technologies while recognizing the need for locally tailored solutions.
Recent research suggests that climate change is likely to increase human displacement, with estimates predicting that over 200 million people could be forced to migrate by 2050 due to environmental factors. This aspect adds urgency to the discussions around climate and security.
Climate change isn’t just a scientific issue; it’s a matter of global security that affects every aspect of society. As more organizations recognize this connection, coordinated efforts become more vital. The workshop aimed at reinforcing that message among OSCE members to enhance collective resilience.
This event was part of the project “Strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia,” funded by various countries including the U.S., Germany, Japan, and others. By sharing knowledge and strategies, the OSCE hopes to lead the way in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
You can learn more about this initiative on the OSCE website.
