Climate Smart Foreign Policy

Climate change is a global phenomenon that requires a global response

 

CSIS developed a Center-wide initiative dedicated to the relationship between climate and foreign policy, unlocking new opportunities for the United States to lead and advance U.S. interests through international engagement.

Climate change is changing nearly all aspects of domestic and foreign policymaking from security to trade, development to global health; food security to energy; and nearly all multilateral and bilateral relationships. Climate change is an issue without boundaries and with far-reaching effects. A coordinated global response will strengthen our collective capacity to respond to these challenges.

CSIS created a new platform for leadership on climate change through a coordinated, robust workstream. This work produced a series of workshops and reports on trade, security, data, foreign policy, and energy with recommendations for policymakers worldwide. 

Theories of Change:  This podcast from the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program features conversations with global experts to discuss their Theories of Change and what they think are the most necessary near-term steps and longer-term strategies to ensure a manageable climate for future generations.  Check out the premiere below:

This project was made possible by support from the Hewlett Foundation.

All Climate Smart Foreign Policy Content

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Security Challenges of Climate Change in Southeast Asia

A 1.5-degree Celsius increase in global warming poses an immediate threat to Southeast Asia's economic, political, and health security. Mitigating the effects of climate change is key to the United States' goal to secure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Commentary by Murray Hiebert and Danielle Fallin — October 5, 2021

A New Revolution in the Middle East

Dr. Jon Alterman explores different scenarios for how the global energy transition will play out and geopolitical implications for the Middle East and great power competition.

Commentary by Jon B. Alterman — August 9, 2021

Climate Leadership Should Include Foreign Assistance

The inaugural Leaders Climate Summit will be held on Earth Day 2021 and marks a major opportunity for the Biden-Harris administration to integrate a climate lens across the U.S. foreign assistance apparatus. CSIS’s Erol Yayboke and Christine Li present four ways for it to do so.

Commentary by Erol Yayboke and Christine Li — April 19, 2021

U.S.-Russian Arctic Relations: A Change in Climate?

President Biden in the Arctic can secure two much-needed successes for U.S.-Russian cooperation on climate change and the environment: financing for research on the implications of permafrost thaw and creating a program to study fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean.

Commentary by Colin Wall and Heather A. Conley — March 31, 2021

Beyond Yields: Mapping the Many Impacts of Climate on Food Security

Climate change is not just a threat to crop yields—it undermines all four pillars of global food security. Mitigation and adaptation efforts must look beyond agriculture and rural populations to address the vulnerabilities of broader food systems and urban populations.

Commentary by Christian Man and Brian Thiede — March 30, 2021

Toward a Climate-Driven Trade Agenda

International trade and climate change have traditionally been considered two distinct issues for the global community to address.

Event — March 5, 2021

Biden’s Big Renewable Energy Opportunity in India

In few places is there more opportunity and momentum for climate action than renewable energy deployment in India. The Biden administration should focus on sub-national diplomacy and expanding the use of green finance in meeting this moment.

Commentary by Lachlan Carey — February 2, 2021

Theories of Change

Climate Security: Bringing Climate into all Sectors

Sarah Ladislaw talks with Dutch environmentalist Alexander Verbeek about his interdisciplinary outlook to climate change, which he terms ‘planetary security.’

Podcast Episode by Sarah Ladislaw — January 28, 2021

CSIS Theories of Change

Toward a Climate-Driven Trade Agenda

How can trade policy be a tool to combat climate change? In this paper, the Scholl Chair lays out the foundation for a climate-driven trade agenda.

Report by William Alan Reinsch and Jack Caporal — January 27, 2021