CLIMATE CHANGES AND THE MILITARY. HOW RECENT ENVIRONMENTAL MAJOR ISSUES COULD AFFECT THE NATIONAL DEFENCE STRATEGY

Abstract

The last decades of this century have been characterised by overwhelming effects of climate changes all around the world and in all areas of human activity, including national defence. Environmental extreme phenomena and global warming have strongly influenced and continue to affect the conduct of military actions, as well as the efficiency of some defence capabilities, somewhat turning them into
vulnerabilities that could be subject to additional security threats and risks.
Therefore, this paper will focus on the main effects that climate changes could have upon the conduct of military activities, highlighting the most significant countermeasures at the allied and national levels. The research method is based on existing data analysis and evaluation of the recent climate phenomena and global warming, briefly touching on major events within the modern operating environment.
The paper has some limitations due to little importance given to this new security risk/threat by many decision makers, military leaders and strategic planners, as well as the unclear strategies and implementing plans to counter it. Nevertheless, it represents a new decisive factor on the modern battlefield, which could either reinforce existing risks, or become a totally new one.