6th Meeting of The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security
Cooperation in adapting to impacts of climate change related to water and migration on regional stability
The Hague, 21 September 2017
Representatives from 20 countries and 15 organizations came together for a half-day meeting to discuss cooperation in adapting to impacts of climate change related to water and migration on regional stability. Some 60 participants shared concerns and ideas on issues including too much water (flooding and sea level rise), too little water (droughts with rising temperatures), and the political and logistical factors surrounding resulting migration. Water diplomacy and new water technology were discussed as ways to lower the potential of conflict –both national and international –and to increase cooperation over changing natural resources.
The importance of water resources to security at a global level was examined in the context of the UN Security Council,with emphasis on regional cooperation to reduce threats to stability.“Climate impacts have changed everything and it’s increasingly crucial to connect scientific researchers and policy makers,” said Alexander Verbeek, who led a brainstorming session on responding to climate crises.
The Hague Roundtable on Climate & Security is an independent forum to promote international cooperation in adapting to climate risks to human well-being, sustainable development, peace and political stability. Created in 2015, participants from representatives of governments and organizations share information and strategies in adaptation regarding water resources, natural disasters, sea level rise, migration, potential conflict and stability of fragile states.