Climate change and environmental security: implications for national and homeland security

Environmental security has become an important focus of those studying homeland security and national defense. Key biological systems of interest include croplands, forests, grasslands, oceans and fresh waterways. Problems with these systems in countries can create the basis for instability and conflict. With this background in mind, climate change has the potential to exacerbate instability and violence if no action is taken. The chapter outlines the linkages between climate change, on the one hand, and national and homeland security, on the other. The chapter concludes with a series of policy suggestions.