Climate Change as a Security Risk: Disruptive Impacts on the European Union's Defence-Related Critical Energy Infrastructure

This essay explores the nexus between climate change, international security, and defence-related Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) within the European Union (EU) against the backdrop of an unstable multipolar context. Focusing on climate-induced security, the study draws connections between the identified threats to international stability and security and the influence of climate change on CEI, military installations, and capabilities. By using environmental studies and climate impact research, the findings emphasize the urgent need for adaptive governance strategies. The research identifies options for strengthening climate resilience, fostering multinational collaboration, avoiding internal conflict escalation, and aligning with the EU’s goals of climate neutrality by 2050, contributing to the ongoing energy transition.