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The Security Implications of Climate Change for the UN System

Joshua Busby and
JB
Joshua Busby
Nigel Purvis
Nigel Purvis Former Brookings Expert

May 1, 2004

Reproduced by permission of The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (May 2004).

This memo explores the security implications of climate change. Presented below is a summary
of the adverse impacts of climate change, an analysis of their security implications, and policy
recommendations for strengthening the United Nations’ capacity to respond to climate-related
security threats.

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