Climate Change
Just Security’s expert authors offer in-depth analysis of the legal, security, diplomatic, and human rights dimensions of climate change. Articles span topics related to international agreements, climate-related displacement, the national security risks of climate change, and climate litigation in international, regional, and domestic courts and tribunals.
Highlights:
Just Security’s Climate Archive
A catalog of articles analyzing the diplomatic, political, legal, security, and humanitarian consequences of the international climate crisis.
Legal and Practical Implications of the U.S. Withdrawal from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change
The U.S. withdrawal from the UNFCCC is a further blow to climate cooperation and a demonstration of U.S. foreign policy volatility.
The United States in Retreat
Whatever the modest cost-savings that are generated by this U.S. withdrawal from the multilateral system, the loss of long-term influence will be far greater.
Collection: Just Security’s Coverage of Trump Administration Executive Actions
Coverage of key developments, including in concise “What Just Happened” expert explainers, legal and policy analysis, and more. Check back frequently for updates.
Nine Stories That Deserved More Attention in 2025 – and Might Shape 2026
What stories or topics merited more attention in 2025, and which might inform law and policy conversations in 2026?
COP 30 in Belem: The COP of Surprises
The U.S. State Department's former lead climate lawyer analyzes the many surprising and unusual aspects of COP 30 negotiations in Belem.
165 Articles
As Solar Geoengineering Enters its Startup Phase, Governments Must Address Emerging Security Risks
Without regulation, the dangers of solar radiation modification will become magnified and the security risks more unchecked.
Help Support Just Security on Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday, you can help us inform a more just and secure world.
The Brewing Egypt-Ethiopia Nile River Conflict is Ripe for “Solving”
An agreement to resolve the dam conflict has long been drafted. Trump could be the "closer" engaging Presidents Abiy and el-Sisi for a deal.
Attacks on Nature, Atrocities Against People: The Case for Environmental Harm as a 12th Crime Against Humanity
Addressing the global environmental crisis requires urgent action, and this new treaty offers States an unprecedented opportunity to confront it directly and decisively.
Xi’s Climate Announcement: A Disappointment, Not a Breakthrough
China’s climate announcement — coupled with the U.S. withdrawal — has alarmed many in terms of the viability of the Paris Agreement’s temperature goal.
A Human Rights Approach to Nuclear Regimes: Lessons from the Legacy of Nuclear Testing in the Marshall Islands
Acknowledgement and respect for human rights can encourage States, like the Marshall Islands, to join and actively participate in nuclear regimes.
Washington’s Multilateral Retreat Creates an Opening for State and Local Leaders
U.S. state and local leaders can fill voids left as the Trump administration cuts and even exits multilateral organizations.
America’s Climate Diplomacy Challenge and the Path to Rebuilding Credibility
For international climate diplomacy to succeed, it cannot be tethered to partisan swings in Washington.
Himalayan Water Disputes Awaken the Tensions and Promises of the UN Watercourses Convention
States should promote water security and minimize geopolitical risk by reading the UN Watercourses Convention as a baseline for all nations to follow.
Climate-Vulnerable States Vindicated in the Hague: A First Look at the International Court of Justice’s Climate Advisory Opinion
With this unanimous opinion, the ICJ has taken a clear stand in favor of a coherent and equitable international legal response to climate change.
Inter-American Court of Human Rights Delivers Landmark Opinion on Climate Emergency
The advisory opinion provides a blueprint for policymakers and advocates seeking to drive forward climate action in the Americas.
A Warm Welcome to Mark Nevitt as a Just Security Editorial Board Member!
We are thrilled to welcome distinguished scholar and Emory law professor Mark Nevitt, Commander, JAGC (ret.), as a new member of Just Security's Editorial Board.