On June 14, 2024, the European Commission hosted the United States in Brussels for a bilateral dialogue on the far-reaching impacts of the climate crisis and environmental degradation on global peace, security, and defense. Representatives from the U.S. and European Union diplomatic, defense, and development agencies convened to discuss their respective whole-of-government approaches to tackling the security implications of the climate crisis and environmental degradation through national security and foreign policy strategies. This inaugural dialogue marks an important first discussion between the United States and the European Union on how to enhance resilience within our countries and around the world to these risks. U.S. government participants included leadership from the National Security Council, Department of Defense, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Department of State.
Throughout the discussions, participants underscored the growing recognition of the nexus of climate and security and the need for collaborative approaches. This was highlighted by participants with expertise in a wide variety of disciplines including defense, humanitarian assistance, migration, conflict and stability, climate change, and the environment. Participants discussed addressing gaps in policies and programming integration, elevating climate and security in international fora, collectively advancing climate finance to fragile and conflict-affected states, working within and across disciplines in responding to the impacts of climate and security at home and abroad.
This dialogue is the first discussion between the United States and European Union on climate and security. The United States and European Union agreed to explore the possibility of establishing regular dialogues, fostering continuous cooperation, and sustained commitment to enhancing global peace, security, and resilience in the face of the climate crisis.
