This new Dialogue will provide a forum for policy makers—particularly those involved in the defense, security, and intelligence communities—to explore the ways in which a warming global climate will affect global and regional security.
The event will take place in the Crystal Room of the Willard Intercontinental Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC). Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
The event will begin with remarks from John Bruton, the European Commission’s Ambassador to the United States. Following Ambassador Bruton’s remarks, Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering, IISS-US board member, will moderate a panel discussion on the global security aspects of climate change for the transatlantic alliance. Panelists will include: Nigel Inkster, IISS Director of Transnational Threats and Political Risk; Michael Cain, Director of the Army Environmental Policy Institute; and Major General Richard Engel (Ret.), Director of the Climate Change and State Stability Program in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (invited). Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
When addressing the impetus behind the launch of TDCCS, Inkster said, “The implications of climate change for national and human security are considerable and there is a pressing need for governments to achieve a good understanding of what these implications are and how they can be addressed. Building on a strong Atlanticist tradition and a sustained engagement in the study of conflict and security issues, IISS aims to establish a forum for policy-makers and opinion-formers on both sides of the Atlantic to explore this nexus of issues.”
The IISS TDCCS will focus particularly on: the effects of a warming climate on weak and distressed states; the shifting balance of power in the Arctic; the implications of reduced food and water supplies; and the potential adaptations of global security organizations to best respond to the challenges of a warming climate. Over the next year, the TDCCS will explore these questions at two major conferences, to be held in Washington and London. In the course of the year, the IISS will host a series of workshops and discussions to closely examine these issues.
Media covering this event are requested to contact the IISS-US in advance to schedule interviews and arrange provisions for technical requirements. As space is extremely limited, RSVPs (acceptances only) will be accepted in the order in which they are received. Kindly RSVP no later than Monday, 23 February 2009, to events-washington@iiss.org or by ringing 202.659.1490.
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