Climate change and security: A short Q&A

This overview explains why climate change is a matter of concern for international peace and security and how the UN system should deal with climate-related security risks.

It poses and answers seven questions:

1. Why is climate change a UN Security Council (UNSC) concern?
2. How is climate change a threat to security?
3. What are the risks of inaction?
4. Why is addressing climate impacts important when a country is in the midst of a conflict?
5. Is the scientific evidence on whether climate change causes conflict sufficient to justify action?
6. Does the UNSC encroach on the UNFCCC’s mandate by acting on climate risks?
7. What action exactly should the UNSC take?