On June 14, 2024, the European Commission hosted the United States in Brussels for a bilateral dialogue on the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental degradation on global peace, security, and defense. Representatives from U.S. and European Union diplomatic, defense, and development agencies convened to discuss their respective whole-of-government approaches to addressing the security implications of climate change through national security and foreign policy strategies.
This inaugural dialogue marks an important first discussion between the United States and the European Union on enhancing resilience within their countries and globally 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 between climate and security and emphasized collaborative approaches. Participants with expertise in various disciplines including defense, humanitarian assistance, migration, conflict stability, climate change, and environmental issues highlighted this need. Discussions focused on addressing gaps in policies and programming integration, elevating climate and security in international fora, advancing climate finance to fragile states affected by conflict, and working across disciplines to respond to climate-related security impacts both domestically and internationally.
The United States and European Union agreed to explore establishing regular dialogues to foster continuous cooperation and sustained commitment to enhancing global peace, security, and resilience in response to the climate crisis.
For further information, please contact the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate at climatecomms@state.gov.