The OSCE is uniquely positioned to address climate-related security risks

In a recent report by  Dr. Florian Krampe, Director of Peace and Development Studies, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and Dr. Emma Hakala, Leading Researcher, Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) identify a clear path for the OSCE to move from mandate to meaningful action and climate and security.

They argue that “the foundation is strong as the OSCE has a comprehensive security vision that inherently links environmental, economic, and politico-military dimensions, a clear political mandate from the 2021 Stockholm Ministerial Council Decision and a unique grassroots presence through its 12 field operations.

However, to translate this potential into sustained impact, they highlight three key opportunities: (a) Sharpen the Security Focus: Move beyond general climate adaptation and explicitly link every project to security outcomes like conflict prevention and peace dialogue, (b) Deepen Integration: Break down institutional silos between headquarters and field missions, creating a unified, OSCE-wide strategy and (c) Create a Shared Analytical Picture: Develop a regular, integrated climate and environmental security assessment for the OSCE region to provide an evidence-based foundation for action. 

They conclude that “Ultimately, this all hinges on predictable funding and political will from participating states. This isn't just an environmental issue; it's a shared investment in our collective security. What do you see as the biggest hurdle for large international organizations to truly integrate a cross-cutting issue like climate security into their core work?”

>>> Read the full report: Environmental Security and the OSCE >>>

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