Geopolitics of climate change: A review

• Published in: Thermal Science
• Main Author: Bošnjaković Branko
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: VINCA Institute of Nuclear Sciences 2012
• Subjects: Geopolitics; climate change; mitigation; adaptation; globalization; energy security; global power; Mechanical engineering and machinery; TJ1-1570; Arctic; Pacific; Climate change
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2298/TSCI120202127B; https://doaj.org/article/f8a4ffa0b4ae423ab300cefab22f8736

The paper reviews the geopolitical elements of the emerging discourse on how to control, and cope with climate change. Two complementary approaches may be distinguished: the actor-related approach analyses the positioning of states and interest groups, which develop strategies on coping with climate change; the other approach addresses processes and problem areas (physical, economic, demographic…) emerging in the geographic space as a consequence of, or linked to climate change. With failing mitigation policies and instruments, the urgency of adaptation to climate change is increasing. Assessment of regional consequences of climate change includes the perceptions and motivations of presumed losers or winners. New security implications related to climate change are emerging in the Arctic, South-East Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Energy supply security is a dominant factor in geopolitical considerations. The geopolitics of climate change is inextricably linked to many other issues of globalization. Significant shift of global power raises the discussion of ethical responsibility. Climate change is evolving as a testing ground for competitiveness and innovation potential of political and economic models in achieving sustainability.