Climate Change and Security: Addressing Potential Instabilities in Bangladesh – 27 Nov 2024
The Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), with funding from the European Union, hosted an impactful workshop on Climate Change and Security: Addressing Potential Instabilities in Bangladesh. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, journalists, NGO officials, students, and senior security officials from key agencies, including the Environment Ministry, Bangladesh Police, Ansar and Village Defence Forces, Fire Service, Army, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, and Border Guards Bangladesh.
The main speakers for the event were Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS and Dr. Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor, University of Manitoba, and additional video presentations were delivered by Dr. Chad Briggs, Professor, Department of Development Studies, Asian Institute of Management,Manila and Major General (Retd.) Joseph G. Singh, MSS, MSc, FCMI, FRGS. Special Assistant to the President of Guyana and Former Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force . The workshop explored how climate change acts as a “threat multiplier,” exacerbating vulnerabilities like resource scarcity, displacement, and socio-economic instability. Discussions emphasized the proactive roles of civil and military security sectors in disaster preparedness, resilience-building, and fostering global cooperation to address these pressing challenges.
The workshop highlighted innovative strategies such as integrating climate policies into security frameworks, leveraging tools like the Climate Security Mechanism, adopting renewable energy, and promoting localized interventions. Participants also discussed the importance of bridging gaps in policy making, improving disaster readiness, and fostering collaboration across sectors.
This timely initiative underscored the need for informed, coordinated action to protect vulnerable nations like Bangladesh and build sustainable resilience against climate-induced threats.
