NewSecurityBeat

Will Climate Change Ignite Terrorism?

February 5, 2007 By Alison Williams

The effects of climate change could launch a new wave of conflict and terrorism, say climate and security experts. Increased drought and refugee migration resulting from rising sea levels could lead to conflict in the countries worst affected by global warming.

Sir Crispin Tickell, Britain’s former ambassador to the United Nations, said terrorists might exploit these tensions, reported Reuters:

“Those who are short of food, those who are short of water, those who can’t move to countries where it looks as if everything is marvelous are going to be people who are going to adopt desperate measures to try and make their point.”
Crispin says the world “must accept” the likely increase of violence within and between states at the hands of environmental change.

Topics: climate change, security