Business Law and EthicsEnvironmental Law
Environmental Security: Approaches and Issues
Authors: Rita Floyd and Richard A. Matthew
Publication Year: 2013
Category: Environmental Law
Introduction
“Environmental Security: Approaches and Issues” by Rita Floyd and Richard A. Matthew explores the intricate relationship between environmental degradation and security. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of various approaches to environmental security, backed by diverse case studies and practical recommendations. Below is a structured summary of the major points covered in the book, accompanied by specific actions individuals can take based on the book’s advice.
1. Conceptualizing Environmental Security
Major Point: Defining Environmental Security
The concept of environmental security bridges environmental and human security, recognizing that environmental degradation can lead to conflicts, displacement, and broader security threats.
Concrete Example:
The book highlights the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which stresses that climate change is a “threat multiplier” for existing issues and resource scarcity.
Actionable Step:
- Individual Level: Advocate for education programs that raise awareness about the links between environmental degradation and security risks in your community.
2. Historical Context and Evolution
Major Point: Historical Development of the Environmental Security Paradigm
The evolution of environmental security as a field of study links back to the Cold War era when environmental concerns began to be seen through a security lens.
Concrete Example:
The book references the Brundtland Commission’s 1987 report “Our Common Future,” which highlighted sustainable development and interconnectedness of global issues.
Actionable Step:
- Policy Advocacy: Support policies that promote sustainable development goals (SDGs) in local and national governance structures.
3. Theoretical Approaches
Major Point: Interdisciplinary Theories on Environmental Security
The book discusses various theoretical frameworks, including realist, liberal, and constructivist views on environmental security.
Concrete Example:
Constructivist approaches in the book argue that environmental security is socially constructed and differs based on cultural and social contexts.
Actionable Step:
- Research and Application: Engage in interdisciplinary research projects that study local perceptions of environmental security and develop context-specific solutions.
4. Environmental Stress and Conflict
Major Point: Linking Environmental Stress to Conflict
Conflict often arises from competition over scarce resources, exacerbated by environmental stress such as droughts, floods, and deforestation.
Concrete Example:
The Darfur conflict in Sudan is cited as a prominent example where prolonged drought and land degradation intensified ethnic tensions and conflicts.
Actionable Step:
- Conflict Resolution: Participate in or support initiatives aimed at conflict resolution through sustainable resource management practices in conflict-prone areas.
5. Climate Change and Security
Major Point: Security Implications of Climate Change
Climate change poses significant security challenges, including rising sea levels, food insecurity, and increased frequency of natural disasters.
Concrete Example:
The book discusses the case of the Maldives, where rising sea levels threaten to submerge entire islands, making sovereign nations vulnerable.
Actionable Step:
- Community Projects: Participate in or support coastal preservation projects and climate-resilient agricultural practices in vulnerable areas.
6. Resource Scarcity
Major Point: Scarcity of Natural Resources
The availability of water, food, and energy resources is critical for maintaining security and stability. Resource scarcity can lead to social upheaval and conflict.
Concrete Example:
The book describes water disputes in the Middle East, notably the Jordan River Basin conflict between Israel, Jordan, and Palestine, as pivotal issues tied to resource management.
Actionable Step:
- Resource Conservation: Practice water conservation methods and advocate for efficient water management policies at local and national levels.
7. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Major Point: Importance of Biodiversity for Security
The loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystem services undermine the ecological foundations of life, which in turn impacts human security.
Concrete Example:
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, leading to loss of biodiversity and impacts on global climate regulation, is highlighted as a critical issue.
Actionable Step:
- Conservation Efforts: Support or engage in reforestation projects and conservation efforts to protect critical ecosystems and biodiversity.
8. Governance and Policy
Major Point: Role of Global and Local Governance
Effective governance structures at both local and international levels are essential for addressing environmental security issues. Policies need to be robust and forward-thinking.
Concrete Example:
The Kyoto Protocol and subsequent Paris Agreement are cited as significant international frameworks for addressing climate change through cooperative governance.
Actionable Step:
- Policy Engagement: Join or support organizations that lobby for stronger environmental regulations and international agreements on climate action.
9. Environmental Security in Practice
Major Point: Implementing Environmental Security Strategies
Practical implementation of environmental security involves risk assessment, early warning systems, and integrating environmental considerations into security policies.
Concrete Example:
The European Union’s Climate Change and International Security (CCIS) paper, which integrates environmental risks into security strategy, serves as an example of policy integration.
Actionable Step:
- Local Implementation: Promote the establishment of community-based early warning systems for environmental hazards and disasters.
10. Role of Non-State Actors
Major Point: Contribution of NGOs and Civil Society
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society play crucial roles in advocating for, and implementing, environmental security measures.
Concrete Example:
The role of organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in habitat preservation and policy advocacy is examined.
Actionable Step:
- Involvement and Support: Become an active member of an environmental NGO or support their initiatives through volunteering or donations.
Conclusion
Rita Floyd and Richard A. Matthew’s “Environmental Security: Approaches and Issues” presents an in-depth look into how environmental degradation intersects with global security. By understanding the theoretical frameworks and practical examples provided, individuals can take meaningful actions to enhance environmental security. From grassroots activism to supporting international policies, every effort contributes to a more secure and sustainable future.
Overall, this overview of the book underscores how intertwined environmental health is with human security and offers actionable steps from education and conservation to policy and advocacy, relevant to various contexts and scales of action.