Whose Security? Rethinking Climate Risks Through Postcolonial and Ecological Lenses

ABSTRACT Climate change poses complex and unequal challenges that reshape conventional ideas of security. This article critiques state‐centred and militarized framings and advances an integrative perspective that combines postcolonial and ecological security. The approach specifies mechanisms (power‐conditioned exposure and voice, securitizing externalities and ecological threshold dynamics) and propositions that guide evaluation and design. Drawing on theoretical analysis and illustrative cases, the critique translates into policy choices: demilitarization; nature‐based solutions with safeguards and finance criteria that prioritize ecological function and local voice. Additionally, the findings point to the need to limit risk displacement, protect ecosystem functions through clear indicators and embed rights‐based, inclusive governance that scales existing mechanisms rather than creating parallel bodies. The contribution links justice‐oriented analysis to operational decisions across migration, water governance, climate finance and critical infrastructure and supply chains. Additionally, it outlines a concise agenda for empirical testing and implementation.