EUAM Iraq, in conjunction with the Clingendael Institute, facilitated dialogue event entitled “Climate Security is National Security” in Basra. More than 100 representatives from the government, civil society, non-governmental organisations, as well as policy and thematic experts discussed the existential climate crises through the prism of national security. The need for collective and integrated policy analysis and action to adapt and mitigate climate change was emphasised, as was the inclusion of climate security in all policy areas and the development of integrated and institutional responses. The event helped to clarify and reinforce the fact that climate security is a threat multiplier and a fundamental national security imperative.  

The inputs will contribute to develop policy recommendations for the Iraqi government as part of the development of the new National Security Strategy (NSS). 

Climate security refers to the impact of climate crisis on peace and security. Climate change can trigger competition for natural resources, insecure livelihoods, and mass displacement, and thus increasing the risk of social tensions and instability. It constitutes a significant threat to national security. Iraq is one of the five countries in the world worst affected by climate change. Around 92% of Iraqi land is threatened by desertification and temperatures are increasing seven times faster than the global average (see United Nations Iraq)  For this reason, EUAM Iraq supports the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) to integrate climate security in the new National Security Strategy. 

The event in Basra was the second of three such regional events organised by the Mission in support of multi-faceted nationally led efforts to address the complex Climate Security Nexus in Iraq.