Just in Time – Foreign and Security Policy in the Age of the Climate Crisis

Germany currently faces significant security challenges, not least due to the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Climate-related security risks often fall by the wayside, even though these challenges are closely linked. Climate change and its consequences – such as droughts, floods, extreme weather events, and the loss of natural livelihoods – threaten human security and exacerbate existing conflict risks, for example through competition over increasingly scarce resources such as water, energy, and arable land.

Climate action and the integration of climate considerations into security strategies have never been more urgent. The goals of the Paris Agreement are increasingly out of reach, making the crossing of further climate tipping points more likely. This also has clear security implications. For instance, rising sea levels will make entire coastal areas and islands uninhabitable, forcing millions to leave their homes. The loss of coral reefs threatens the primary food and income sources for many fishing communities. Large-scale deforestation of the Amazon rainforest disrupts rainfall patterns, reduces harvests, and can trigger conflicts over water and land. These developments threaten not just individual countries but can destabilize entire regions politically. Addressing these challenges requires decisive action and international cooperation. Yet political will is often lacking to commit to climate action and consistently incorporate climate risks into foreign and security policy debates.

Against this backdrop, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Kira Vinke, Head of the Centre for Climate and Foreign Policy at the DGAP, on Tuesday, 2 December 2025 at 5:30 PM at the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe. Together with Dr. Vinke and our audience, we will explore questions such as: What does climate change mean for international security? How does it exacerbate conflicts? Which (foreign) policy measures are needed to address climate risks early? Which long-term scenarios should security strategies consider? How can Germany and the EU develop effective climate-foreign policies in the context of today’s nationalist and protectionist political climate?

This event is part of the new series “Young European Security Talks”, designed to engage young people in discussions on current security challenges – in conversation with experts and decision-makers.

We look forward to your participation and kindly ask you to register by 1 December 2025.